Downward dog, one heel

A moving calf stretch that also asks the shoulders to bear some weight. Useful when you want calves and a little hamstring in one shape.

calves · moderate · floor or wall

Hold. 20 seconds, each side, 3 rounds.
Also involves. hamstrings.

Why this one exists

A moving calf stretch that also asks the shoulders to bear some weight. Useful when you want calves and a little hamstring in one shape.

Set up

Hands and feet on the floor in an inverted-V. Knees can stay bent. Pedal one heel toward the floor at a time.

Steps

  1. Bend the right knee and press the left heel down.
  2. Switch, like slow walking in place.
  3. Keep the neck long. Look toward the ankles or the navel, not the feet at all costs.
  4. Come down to hands and knees to rest.

What you should feel

Calf of the straightening leg, plus a stretch behind the thigh if that knee opens.

Skip if it hurts

Skip if the wrists or shoulders cannot take load. Use the wall calf stretch instead.

Common mistakes

Do not bounce the heels. Pedal slowly.

Nearby in the library

calvesWall calf stretchcalvesBent-knee soleus stretchcalvesStair calf stretch

All stretches · Today’s routine

Not medical advice. Stretchcrafters is a movement library, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. Stop if something hurts, and talk to a clinician if you have an injury, unexplained pain, or a condition that changes what is safe for you.