1. Do a Simple Stand and Stretch
This is an easy calf stretch you can do almost anywhere. Stand up with your legs shoulder width apart. Lean down toward your left leg and clasp your hands around your ankle. If you can't clasp your ankle, get as close to it as you can. Hold this stretch for about 20 seconds. Then, go back to your starting position and repeat the stretch on the right leg. For added intensity place your palms flat on the floor as you stretch each of your calf muscles.
2. Stretch With a Towel
Lie down with your legs in front of you. Raise one of your legs straight up in the air, take a towel and place it on the arch of your foot while you hold on to each side of the towel. Using the towel as leverage, gently pull your leg forward. You should feel a nice stretch that works the entire back of your calf muscle and your hamstrings. After holding the stretch for 20 seconds, move to the next leg and repeat the drill.
3. Try Standing Calf Stretches
For this calf stretch, all you need is a wall for support. Place your hands on the wall while standing 12 inches away from it. Extend one leg behind you, but be sure to keep both feet flat on the floor. You should slightly bend your front knee, but your rear knee should be straight. With a good stretch, you'll feel tension in the calves as you lean into the wall. Hold this stretch for about 10 to 15 seconds and then go back to your starting position. Move to the opposite leg and repeat the exercise.
4. Take a Load Off and Still Stretch
This simple stretch really works the calf muscles, so be careful not to overdo it and hurt yourself. Sit with your legs straight out in front of you and placed together. Bend forward as far as you can and grab the arches of your feet. If that stretch isn't intense enough for you, try to reach as far as you can past your feet. Once you've stretched as far as you can, stay in that position for 20 seconds. Relax back to your starting position, and then repeat the stretch.
