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Lower Legs Exercise · Assisted

Assisted Lying Calves Stretch exercise animation

Assisted Lying Calves Stretch

Category
Lower Legs
Equipment
Assisted
Target
Calves

This lying calf stretch uses assistance, usually a strap or partner, to pull the foot into dorsiflexion with the knee straight, isolating the gastrocnemius more than a standing wall stretch can. It's worth doing regularly if ankle mobility is limiting squat depth or causing heels to lift. Keep the knee locked out, since bending it shifts the stretch toward the soleus instead.

How to Do the Assisted Lying Calves Stretch

  1. Lie on your back with your legs stretched out straight.
  2. Bend one knee, planting that foot flat on the floor.
  3. With your hands or a towel, gently draw your toes back toward your body until you feel the stretch through your calf.
  4. Hold this stretch for 20 to 30 seconds.
  5. Perform for your targeted rep count, focusing on a deliberate tempo and maximum tension in the calves.

Calorie Burn & Set Tracker

Sets
3
Reps / Set
10
Active Timer
00:00
Estimated Burn
0 kcal

Muscles Worked

The Assisted Lying Calves Stretch primarily targets the Calves, with Hamstrings as the primary synergist muscle group.

More Lower Legs Exercises

Ankle Circles Ankle Circles Body Weight · Calves Band Single Leg Calf Raise Band Single Leg Calf Raise Band · Calves Band Single Leg Reverse Calf Raise Band Single Leg Reverse Calf Raise Band · Calves Band Two Legs Calf Raise - (band Under Both Legs) V. 2 Band Two Legs Calf Raise - (band Under Both Legs) V. 2 Band · Calves Barbell Floor Calf Raise Barbell Floor Calf Raise Barbell · Calves Barbell Seated Calf Raise Barbell Seated Calf Raise Barbell · Calves

More Calves Exercises

Barbell Seated Calf Raise Barbell Seated Calf Raise Barbell · Calves Barbell Standing Calf Raise Barbell Standing Calf Raise Barbell · Calves Barbell Standing Leg Calf Raise Barbell Standing Leg Calf Raise Barbell · Calves Barbell Standing Rocking Leg Calf Raise Barbell Standing Rocking Leg Calf Raise Barbell · Calves Bodyweight Standing Calf Raise Bodyweight Standing Calf Raise Body Weight · Calves Box Jump Down With One Leg Stabilization Box Jump Down With One Leg Stabilization Body Weight · Calves

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have assisted? These target the same calves with different equipment.

Ankle Circles Ankle Circles Body Weight · Calves Band Single Leg Calf Raise Band Single Leg Calf Raise Band · Calves Barbell Floor Calf Raise Barbell Floor Calf Raise Barbell · Calves Cable Standing Calf Raise Cable Standing Calf Raise Cable · Calves

FAQ

What muscles does the Assisted Lying Calves Stretch work?
The Assisted Lying Calves Stretch primarily targets the calves, with the hamstrings as the main supporting muscle group.
What equipment do I need for the Assisted Lying Calves Stretch?
The Assisted Lying Calves Stretch is done with a assisted.
What's a good alternative to the Assisted Lying Calves Stretch?
If you don't have access to a assisted, the Ankle Circles targets the same calves using body weight instead.