|
|
Stretching calf muscles to Warm Up or Cool Down
The
calf muscles are some of the most intensively used muscles during
exercise. They are used in running and walking, and in stationary
exercises. For this reason, damage to the calf muscles can be quite
debilitating.
It is important to stretch your calf muscles during
warm up, especially for running. This helps to avoid the onset of
cramp during training, and the development of long term injury.
When cooling down, calf muscles should be stretched to reduce muscle tightness in the days following execise. This will help the body to recover from exercise. |
|
Exercises for Stretching Calf Muscles
 When stretching calf muscles for warm up or cool down, use the
following exercise techniques to ensure your calf muscles are gently
but firmly stretched
- lean on the floor and keep both arms vertical. Do not bend your
elbows.
- keep your bottom high. The higher your bottom, the more your
calf muscles will be stretched.
- keep your stretching leg straight at the knee. Avoid bending
your knee.
- make sure your foot on the stretching leg is flat on the ground,
and pointing forward.
- hold your free leg behind the stretching leg.
- keep your back straight. Look up and forward, and this will
straighten your back.
It is important that these exercises are carried out gently, without
sudden or sharp stretches. You should not 'bounce' when the calf
is extended as this will overstretch it. Gently stretch the calf
muscle until you feel it strained, but comfortable.
|
