Mobility & stretching

Calf stretch

Leaning into a wall with one leg back — loosens tight calves after walking or running.

Beginner Low impact Wall
Movement diagram for Calf stretch: calf stretch at a wall
Original diagram — start and finish positions.

How to do it

  1. Place your hands against a wall for stability.
  2. Bend your front leg and step the other leg back at least a foot's distance, keeping it straight.
  3. Keep both feet flat with the back heel on the floor.
  4. Lean forward until you feel the stretch in the back calf. Hold, then swap legs.

Form tips

  • Point both feet straight ahead.
  • Bend the back knee slightly to stretch the lower calf.

Common mistakes

  • Letting the back heel lift.
  • Turning the back foot out.

Easier and harder

Make it easier

Take a shorter step back.

Make it harder

Step further back.

Sources

  1. NHS: Flexibility exercises — checked 3 Oct 2026
  2. NHS: How to stretch after exercising — checked 3 Oct 2026

More mobility & stretching exercises