Person stretching their calf by leaning against a wall with one leg extended back, heel on the floor.
Stretching & Relief

Calf Stretch at the Wall

Stretches the calf muscle (gastrocnemius) to improve ankle flexibility. It can help reduce tension in the lower leg.

  • calf
  • stretch
  • ankle
  • mobility

Instructions

How to do it

Place your hands on a wall for support. Step one leg back a large step and actively press the heel toward the floor. The back knee remains straight, and the foot points directly forward.

Dosage

Hold for 30 seconds, 2–3 times per side

Important

Keep the heel of the back leg on the floor to achieve an effective stretch.

Common mistakes

  • Back heel lifts off the floor.
  • Back foot is turned outward.
  • Back knee is bent.
  • Arching the lower back.

When to stop?

Stop the exercise if you experience sharp pain, dizziness, numbness, unusual weakness or a clear worsening of your symptoms.

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