Hamstring/Calf Stretch
If touching your toes with straight legs seems an impossible task, you're not alone. Many people have tight hamstring and calf muscles in the back of the leg. This stretch will give these muscles more flexibility and make it easier for you to bend over.
- Sit forward in a chair with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
- Extend your right leg in front of you, placing your right heel on the floor, and keeping your ankle relaxed. Don't lock your knee. Slowly lean forward at the hips, bending toward your right toes, trying to keep your back straight.
- Hold the stretch for a slow count of 20 to 30, breathing throughout.
- Sit up straight again and flex your right ankle so that your toes are pointing up toward the ceiling. Again, lean forward at the hips, bending toward your right toes and hold the stretch for a slow count of 20 to 30, breathing throughout.
- Release the stretch and repeat with your left leg.
Note: You should feel the first part of this stretch in the back of the upper leg and the second part in the calf.
