When you want to loosen up after a long day of sitting, you probably zero in on yourhipsandhamstrings.
But calf stretches are important tooeven though lots of us tend to overlook them.
That way, you could understand why devoting some TLC there can be so crucial.
Katie Thompson
What are your calf muscles?
Your calf muscles help you perform a bunch of everyday movements.
Theyre also important for the development of explosive power, like when sprinting or jumping.
Plus, they also engage during strength training when youre performing lower-bodycompound exercises, such as thesquator thedeadlift.
What causes tight, stiff calves?
Your shoes can also play a role.
For example, high heels restrict the full range of motion of that muscle group, says Dr. Schroeder.
And so the cycle continues.
Whats the problem with calf tightness?
This is because these shortened muscle fibers actually affect other ligaments and joints.
Tight calves can also affect yoursquat form.
(Ankle mobilityalso plays a role here.)
How can calf stretches help?
(Plus,calf workoutscan help these muscles get stronger, which is important for balanced lower-body strength.)
Looking for some ways on how to stretch your calves?
Check out some of the moves below.
Youll also loosen up your hamstrings, lower back, and glutes in this move.
I love using gravity to assist stretches, says Otey.
Inchworm
This dynamic stretch fires up your entire body, from your shoulders to your heels.
Your calves get in on the action when you walk your hands back to starting position.
You should also feel a gentle release in your back.
Calf Raise
This is a dynamic stretch that takes you calves through their range of motion.
This stretch hits your lower calf as well as your Achilles tendon.
This will hit slightly different areas from different angles.
