Crouching Heel Back Calf Stretch
From a long split stance, fold forward and set the hands on the floor beside the front foot while the back leg stays straight with its heel pressed down; the back calf stretches.
How to do it
Setup
A long split stance, both feet pointing forward, the front knee bent, the back leg straight.
Steps
- Fold forward and set the hands on the floor either side of the front foot.
- Press the back heel down, the back knee straight, until the calf stretches.
- Hold and breathe, then step the feet together and switch legs.
Common mistakes
Back heel lifting off the floor: shorten the stance until it stays down. Back knee bending: that moves the stretch to the lower calf; keep it straight. Back foot turned out: point the toes forward.
Breathing
Slow and even through the hold.
