How to Do the Lunging Straight Leg Calf Stretch

Stretching before or after exercise helps your muscles stay loose. The lunging straight leg calf stretch is a basic way to warm up and strengthen your gastrocnemius (upper calf) and soleus (lower calf) muscles. Follow these steps to get a good stretch.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Stand on a flat surface with the your feet about hip width apart and the toes of both feet facing forward.

2. Keep your upper body in alignment when performing this stretch. The spine must remain straight, with your ears, shoulders, and hips stacked one above the other.

3. Extend one leg forward. Bend your forward knee while keeping your back leg straight and both heels on the floor.

4. Deepen the stretch by shifting your weight over your forward leg, bending your forward knee as needed maintaining a straight back leg. The upper body should remain upright during lunges.

5. Hold your position to stretch the calf muscles in your straight leg. Pose for up to approximately, 30 seconds.

6. Repeat the lunge with the opposite leg forward to stretch the other calf muscle.

Tips & Warnings

• Prevent injuries by starting with a light stretch if you haven't stretched or exercised regularly. Feel the muscles in your leg stretch as you perform the exercise, but stop short of feeling pain. Don't bounce as you stretch.

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