Bent-Knee Calves Stretch
The bent-knee calf stretch on a stair: the rear heel lowers off the step's edge as that knee bends, moving the stretch to the soleus, lower down the leg.
How to do it
Setup
On a stair, one foot on the step above, the ball of the other foot on the edge of the lower step, hands on the front knee.
Steps
- Bend the back knee and let that heel sink below the step.
- Keep the knee BENT so the stretch stays low in the calf.
- Hold and breathe, then switch legs.
Common mistakes
Straightening the back knee: the bend is what reaches the soleus; keep it. Only the toes on the step: set the ball of the foot on the edge so it cannot slip. Knee drifting inward: point it over the middle toes.
Breathing
Slow and even through the hold.
