Calf stretching at the counter is a great way to stretch your calves without having to strain them with weights. It is also a great way to warm up your muscles before exercising or a long day of standing. Plus, it is an easy and convenient way to stretch your calves anytime and anywhere. Not sure where to start? No need to worry Santa Anna, New Back Chiropractic is here for you! We have provided a two-minute video and a blog to help instruct. Take a look!
Why Stretching Your Calves Are Needed Chiropractic Care
Did you know that tight calves or injuries can lead to foot and leg pain, including plantar fasciitis, shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, and knee pain?
Stretching your calves activates the muscles, stimulates blood flow, and can increase your range of motion and flexibility… not to mention relieve pain from plantar fasciitis and remove the stress that can cause heel spurs.
Begin Standing & Grab
From the standing position, grab a hold of a counter or any surface near or slightly above waist level. Squeeze your abs to protect your lower back as you prepare to bend forward.
Bring your right foot backward with your heel down on the ground, and lock your knee. With your left foot forward and left knee bent, lean your body forward until you feel a reasonably uncomfortable stretch of your right calf muscle.
Utilize Your Legs
With your knee locked, you are stretching the outside muscle, the gastrocnemius, first. This muscle requires you to lock your knee in order to stretch it because it crosses over both the knee joint and the ankle joint. Hold this stretch for 20 to a maximum of 30 seconds.
Each Calf Needs A Stretch
Next, bring your body upright again, keep your right heel down, and bend the right knee as you lean both your body and your right leg forward until you feel a reasonably uncomfortable stretch of your right calf muscle again. This provides more strain on the Achilles tendon, near the heel. Hold this stretch for 20 to a maximum of 30 seconds.
Calf stretches at the counter are an excellent way to reduce tightness in your lower legs and improve your range of motion. Whether you watched the video or read New Back Chiropratic’s four-step guide, you’ll be able to safely perform calf stretches and reap all the benefits. So, go ahead and get stretching!