The practice of calf muscle stretching leads to better flexibility, while improving blood circulation to avoid muscle tightness and injuries.
How to do it:
Stand an arm’s length away from a wall.
Place your hands flat against the wall for support.
Take a step backward with one straight foot, while pressing the heel against the floor.
Lower your front knee slightly and press against the wall, until you reach the stretch in your calf muscle.
Maintain the stretch position for 15 to 20 seconds.
Perform this stretch 2 to 3 times on each leg before changing sides.
Why it’s good:
Stretching allows blood flow to increase, and relaxes the calf muscles before exercise begins. Your ability to walk correctly along with cramp prevention, depends on flexible calf muscles. The stretching process improves blood circulation, which benefits heart health by making blood flow back to your heart more easily.
Sources:
Aster Hospitals – Calf Muscles and Heart Health
Surrey Physio – 5 Best Ways to Strengthen Your Calves
WebMD – Best Exercises for Strengthening Calf Muscles
Moneycontrol – How Calf Muscles Can Keep Cardiovascular Disease at Bay
Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice