Did you experience pain while bending your knees? If your answer is yes and you have experienced pain multiple times, pay attention to strengthening and stretching your calf muscles. Even during training routines, attention is paid only to the upper body, and calf strength is neglected. Your calf muscles are made up of the gastrocnemius (larger calf muscle) and soleus (smaller flat muscles). Both of these are connected to a tendon on the backside of your lower leg. So, have a look at these five exercises to strengthen and stretch your calf muscles that you can try at home.
Single-Leg Heel Raise
Stand barefoot near a wall or doorframe for balance. Now, lift one foot off the ground without using your hands. Stand straight with your body weight on your other foot. Now, rise up on your toes. Hold this position for 5 seconds, and then slowly be back on your heels. It is called single-leg heel raise or calf lifts. Repeat the same 10-15 times.
Seated Toe Raises
As the name suggests, you need a chair to do this seated toes exercise. First of all, sit on a chair with your knees at a right angle. Keep both feet flat on the ground. Now, raise your toes from the ground as far as you could and hold the position for 5-10 seconds. Now release and repeat the same at least 10 times. Keep your hands on your thighs or the sides of your chair(armrest).
Dumbbell Jump Squat
Hold a dumbbell in each of your hands and stand straight on the floor. You can do this exercise while wearing shoes. Now, push your hips backward and descend into a squat position. Make sure to have your thighs parallel to the ground. Now, reverse the direction by straightening your legs in an explosive moment and jump! Next, land gently by bending your knees and again be in the squat position. Land softly with bent knees as you lower your back into the squat position and then repeat.
Jumping Rope
While it is true that jumping rope is always a brilliant exercise for strengthening both arms and legs, it is also excellent for your calf muscles. This exercise is also easy and helps in improving overall body coordination. Now, hold the rope while standing on a floor and start rotating your wrists to swing the rope. Jump with both feet and repeat. Just make sure to land on the floor with your toes. Remember, there are many variations of this exercise, such as alternate footstep, single leg-jump, high knee step, and so on, which you can try comfortably at your home or in an outdoor environment.
Downward Dog
Also known as Adho Mukha Shvanasana, this is a popular exercise, which is excellent for stretching your calf muscles. Start with a tabletop position. Make sure to keep your hands and knees on the ground, preferably a yoga mat. Now gaze downward with a straight back and set your knees apart. Now, while keeping your palms firmly on the ground, lift your knees and hips such that your body creates a triangle shape. Now, bring your knees on the floor gently and repeat the exercise after resting for a moment.
Try the one that seems easier to you, and then gradually progress towards the remaining ones. Remember, walking is also an excellent exercise for strengthening calf muscles. Strong calf muscles are crucial for maintaining foot stabilization. They are also vital to jump high while playing sports such as volleyball, tennis, or basketball. Moreover, if you have tight calf muscles, there is a likelihood of shin splints and other injuries.
