Equipment Required:

Wall, or other support.

Starting Position:

Stand facing the wall with the feet placed about 3-4 feet away.
Place hands on the wall at shoulder level for support.
Bring right foot forward and place it about 12-18 inches away from the wall.

Actions To Execute Exercise:

Keeping the heels on the floor and both feet facing forward, slowly bend the right knee and lower body forward until a stretch is felt in the calf of the extended leg. (Body should be straight from head to heel of extended leg.)
Front leg should be perpendicular to the floor.
If stretch is not felt, step back leg back further, but don't lean further forward.
Hold; relax and repeat on other side.

What The Exercise Does:

Stretches the calf muscles of the lower leg.

Variations On This Exercise:

If a wall is unavailable, place your hands on the thigh of the leg that is in the forward position. Keep body straight in a diagonal line from head to heel of extended leg.
This exercise may also be done with both feet together. To execute the movement, lean forward, decreasing the angle between legs and floor. Do not arch back.

Precautions / Contraindications

Do not hyperextend the knee.
This exercise may be contraindicated for some individuals with ankle problems.

Fitness Training Tips:

Keep hips facing forward and overhead arm next to ear.
This is a flexibility stretch.
Ensure that the toes of the back foot are pointing directly forward to ensure that the gastrocnemius muscle is stretched effectively.