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Lower Legs Exercise · Body Weight

Standing Calves Calf Stretch exercise animation

Standing Calves Calf Stretch

Category
Lower Legs
Equipment
Body Weight
Target
Calves

A standing calf stretch, usually leaning into a wall with one leg extended back, targets the same muscle a standing raise trains but in the opposite direction — lengthening rather than contracting it. It's a common pre- or post-run stretch since tight calves are one of the more common complaints among runners. Keep the back heel down and the leg straight to actually reach the gastrocnemius rather than just the ankle.

How to Do the Standing Calves Calf Stretch

  1. Face a wall or another sturdy object, standing about an arm's length from it.
  2. Rest your hands on the wall or object at shoulder height.
  3. Step one foot back behind you, pressing that heel flat into the floor.
  4. Bend your front knee slightly and lean your body forward, keeping the back leg straight.
  5. You'll feel the stretch working through your calf muscle.
  6. Maintain the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds.
  7. Execute the desired number of reps with smooth cadence and consistent focus on the calves.

Calorie Burn & Set Tracker

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

Muscles Worked

The Standing Calves Calf Stretch primarily targets the Calves, with Hamstrings as the primary synergist muscle group, along with the Glutes.

More Lower Legs Exercises

Ankle Circles Ankle Circles Body Weight · Calves Assisted Lying Calves Stretch Assisted Lying Calves Stretch Assisted · 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

More Calves Exercises

Barbell Seated Calf Raise Barbell Seated Calf Raise Barbell · Calves 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

Equipment Alternatives

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

Assisted Lying Calves Stretch Assisted Lying Calves Stretch Assisted · 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 Standing Calves Calf Stretch work?
The Standing Calves Calf Stretch primarily targets the calves, with the hamstrings and glutes assisting.
What equipment do I need for the Standing Calves Calf Stretch?
The Standing Calves Calf Stretch is done with no equipment — just body weight.
What's a good alternative to the Standing Calves Calf Stretch?
If you don't have access to the space or setup it needs, the Assisted Lying Calves Stretch targets the same calves using assisted instead.