Calf Stretches

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PRECAUTION: If you have had recent joint surgery, then check with your doctor before doing this exercise.

PRECAUTION: Be careful to maintain your balance. Hold onto a stable object (a chair, railing, wall, tree or counter) while doing this exercise.

• Lean against a wall, tree or chair for support.
• Place your right foot back and keep your toes facing forward.
• Slightly bend the knee of your left leg, never letting your knee go beyond your toes.
• Keep your head up and spine straight.
• Press the heel of your right foot into the ground.
• To get more of a stretch, bring your right leg further back.
• Hold and then repeat with your left leg.

REMEMBER:

• Stretch just until you feel a gentle pulling in your muscle, and then hold the stretch in that position. The stretch shouldn’t be painful.
• Stretch gently and smoothly, and do not bounce.
• Breathe naturally as you hold the stretches. Don’t hold your breath.