Practice Point #19 - Tight Calves

I received a question from Ann in the USA. Her question is...

Can you suggest some yoga asanas to help with really tight calves?

Yes, I can because I have them myself.

All your forward-facing standing asana are going to stretch your calves but they will be challenging if your calves are tight and you may need to work with the heel at the back wall (gradually lowering it toward the floor as the calf muscle allows.)

Not an asana but a great calf stretch is to simply plant the ball of your foot on the edge of a step and hang your heel down. Hold onto the step railings to support yourself and alternate legs.

Lastly, Vajrasana doesn't stretch but massages the calf which is equally important when we have tight muscles (stretch and soften) You can increase the massage with a rolled mat between the thigh and calf.

I hope that helps if you do this daily you will notice a difference.

Goodluck

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