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Exercise guide
Banded Calf Stretch
A lying stretch that uses a band around the ball of the foot to flex the ankle and lengthen the calf.
What this exercise works
- Muscles
- gastrocnemius · soleus
- Goals
- mobility
- Equipment
- Resistance band
- Category
- Stretching
- Difficulty
- beginner
Demonstration
Step 1
How to perform the movement
- Lie on your back and loop a band around the ball of one foot.
- Raise the leg and keep it fairly straight.
- Pull the band so your toes draw back toward your shin.
- Hold for 20 to 30 seconds, breathing steadily.
- Switch sides and repeat.
Technique cues and common mistakes
- Keep the pull steady, not jerky.
- Keep the knee softly straight.