Exercises | Legs And Glutes | Calf Stretches | Standard Page

Exercises | Legs And Glutes | Calf Stretches | Standalone Image

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_The_Downward_Facing_Dog-Step_By_Step_2

Exercises | Shared | Spacing | Large

Exercises | Legs And Glutes | Calf Stretches | Rich Text Content | Copy 1

# Calf Stretches

Your calf muscles are on the back of your lower legs, from behind the knee to a few inches above the ankle. They’re vital for walking, [running](/exercises/sports-guides-exercises/running-tips/)—pretty much any physical activity that involves the legs. They’re also prone to injury, especially pulled muscles, when they’re not[ warmed up](/exercises/stretching-and-warmups-exercises/best-warm-up-exercises/) and [cooled down ](/exercises/stretching-and-warmups-exercises/the-best-cool-down-exercises/)properly. Keep on reading to learn some of our top tips for calf stretches.

Exercises | Legs And Glutes | Calf Stretches | Rich Text Content | Copy 2

### calf stretch #1 The Incline

1. **Stand about two feet from a wall**, and place your hands on the wall, palms flat.

2. **Stretch your left leg back**, pressing your left foot flat into the floor, and hold for a few seconds.

3. **Reverse the movement,** then repeat with your right leg.

Exercises | Legs And Glutes | Calf Stretches | The Incline | Media Gallery

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_The_Incline-Step_By_Step_5

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_The_Incline-Step_By_Step_1

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_The_Incline-Step_By_Step_4

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_The_Incline-Step_By_Step_3

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_The_Incline-Step_By_Step_2

Exercises | Legs And Glutes | Calf Stretches | Rich Text Content | Copy 3

### Calf Stretch #2 The Lunge

1. **Step forward with one foot**, placing your foot flat on the floor once you’ve reached a 90-degree angle. Your lower leg should be perpendicular to the floor, and your thigh should be parallel.

2. **Meanwhile, bend your other leg until your knee touches the floor**. Your foot will stretch, but your toes should remain in place.

3. **Return your front leg to its original position**, reversing the motion from step 2. 

4. **Repeat** with the opposite leg.

Exercises | Legs And Glutes | Calf Stretches | The Lunge | Media Gallery

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_Lunges-Step_By_Step_3

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_Lunges-Step_By_Step_2

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_Lunges-Step_By_Step_1

Exercises | Legs And Glutes | Calf Stretches | Rich Text Content | Copy 4

### Calf Stretch #3 The Downward Facing Dog

1. **Start in a plank position**, but then point your bum high in the air, so your body is shaped like an upside-down V.

2. **Press your feet into the ground**, stretching your calf muscles.

3. **Keep breathing**, and be sure to stop if you feel any pain.

Exercises | Legs And Glutes | Calf Stretches | The Downward Facing Dog | Media Gallery

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_The_Downward_Facing_Dog-Step_By_Step_3

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_The_Downward_Facing_Dog-Step_By_Step_1

## Want To Learn More?

Stretching is low impact, but it can be tricky to get everything just right. If you’re looking for some one-on-one help, get in touch with one of our friendly [personal trainers](/personal-training/) at your [local Gym](/find-a-gym/), or sign up for some of our great [yoga classes](/gym-classes/mind-and-body-classes/yoga/) today.

Exercises | Legs And Glutes | Calf Stretches | Proposition Thumbnail group

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_A_Glute_Bridge-Step_By_Step_2

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_Box_Jumps-Step_By_Step_3

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_Donkey_Kicks-Step_By_Step_3

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_A_Goblet_Squat-Step_By_Step_3

Exercises | Shared | Heading | Other Exercises

Exercises | Shared | Proposition Thumbnail group | Copy 1

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_A_Russian_Twist-Step_By_Step_3

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_A_Barbell_Bicep_Curl-Step_By_Step_3

The_Gym_Group-Exercises-How_To_Do_An_Inverted_Row-Step_By_Step_4

Exercises | Shared | Button Standalone | Legs and Glutes Exercises

Exercises | Shared | Spacing | Medium

Exercises | Shared | Button Standalone | Exercises Main page

Whether you’ve got tight calves or simply want to improve your flexibility, calf stretches are a great way to level up your fitness game. Learn more.

Calf Stretches | Exercises for Tight Calves | Legs and Glutes Exercises | The Gym Group

Exercises | Legs And Glutes | Calf Stretches | Title Box