There are many ways to stretch your calf muscles but this one pictured below is my favorite.  I like this position because it allows me to relax into the stretch easily.  Stretching your calf muscles should be done after any aerobic exercise.  As we age tight calf muscles put us at risk for injury to the achilles tendon which attaches to the calf muscle.  Believe me this is definitely an injury you want to avoid.  So take 30 seconds for each leg to perform this stretch.  It is easy, here’s how:

Preferably stand at the bottom of a stairway and hold onto the banister.  Drop the heel off the step of the leg you want to stretch.  You will feel the stretch in your calf muscle.  The further you lower your heel the more intense the stretch.  That being said remember that stretching should always feel gentle, not painful.  Relax into the stretch while deep breathing.  Hold for 10-30 seconds.

Stay tuned for my next blog on Friday which will focus on an important muscle group to stretch, the Piriformis muscle.  See you then…….

Passive Standing Calf Stretch on Step