Form cues
- Keep knee straight
- Lean from the hips
- Maintain upright posture
- Feel stretch in calf, not ankle
Exercise
Standing Bench Calf Stretch
Lower legs, body weight
A static stretch using a bench to lengthen the calf muscles.
Target: calves. Also works: soleus.
This one is filed as mobility. It shows in warm-up and cool-down, and in search.
Steps
- Stand in front of a bench or sturdy surface.
- Place the ball of one foot onto the edge, keeping heel on the floor.
- Lean your body forward while keeping your knee straight.
- Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds.
- Switch legs and repeat.
Common mistakes
- Bending the knee too much
- Letting the foot roll inward or outward
- Forcing the stretch
Breathing
Exhale as you relax into the stretch, inhale as you ease off.
In the app, search for Standing Bench Calf Stretch and add it to a workout.