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Calf stretch on the bench (stretching)

Calf stretching on a bench provides flexibility in diverse environments. Whether individuals are using a weight bench in the gym or opting for a chair, bench, or comparable items at home, the exercise can be adapted accordingly.

Body position

Commence by standing in front of a weight bench, facing it. The back leg should be completely extended, and the front foot placed on the bench. Lean forward, extending the upper body, and reach with the hand on the same side beneath the foot resting on the bench.

Movement execution

To intensify the calf stretch on the bench, extend the corresponding leg while maintaining the hand's position on the foot.

Stressed muscles and common mistakes

Further insights into the activated muscles and frequently encountered errors during calf stretching on the bench (Stretching) can be found on the page dedicated to calf stretching.

Alternative variants to toe stretches while sitting (stretching)

To diversify your training, you can also try similar exercises or explore additional variations of calf stretching on the bench (Stretching).

Pressing your toes against the wall (stretching)

The stretching exercise "Pushing Toes Against the Wall" offers athletes the advantage of performing it anywhere there's a stable wall. Additionally, there are two different variations available, where the distance from the wall and foot positioning can be adjusted.

Stretching the calf muscle while sitting with the band (stretching)

Stretching the calf muscles while seated with a band is suitable for athletes who feel more comfortable in a seated position. In a comfortable seated position, the Theraband is wrapped around one foot, and then the calf muscles are stretched. The resistance from the Theraband provides an enhanced stretch.

Stretching the calf muscle while lying down with the band (stretching)

When stretching the calf muscles while lying down with a band, the Theraband intensifies the stretching effect. Athletes only need the Theraband and can perform this exercise anywhere.

Calf stretch in starting position (stretching)

The starting position for calf stretching, similar to the position runners take before a race, also allows for calf stretching from the initial posture. Throughout the exercise, both feet should remain firmly on the ground to maximize the stretch.

Calf stretch while leaning against the wall (stretching)

Calf stretching against the wall is a fitness exercise particularly suitable for home workouts. Athletes simply lean diagonally against a wall, automatically creating a pleasant stretch in the lower legs. This simple stretching exercise can also be performed during short breaks in daily routines.

Calf stretch on the bench (stretching)

Calf stretching on a bench is a comfortable stretching exercise to stretch the lower legs while the rest of the body can relax. Alternatively, other objects can be used, allowing this exercise to be performed at home with a chair, for example.

Calf stretching on the stairs (stretching)

The exercise "Calf Stretching on the Stairs" is ideal for home workouts due to its increased range of motion, which can generate an intensified stretching effect when using stairs.

Calf stretching on the calf block (stretching)

When an aerobic stepper or a so-called calf block is available, various variations of calf stretching can be performed. Athletes can stand on the calf block with both legs or just one leg to generate a stretch in the lower legs.

Lower leg stretching with the Theraband (stretching)

For an especially deep stretch of the lower legs, stretching the lower legs with a band is highly effective. This exercise combines lunges with calf stretching using a Theraband, resulting in an enhanced stretch of the rear lower legs.

Reverse toe press (stretching)

The exercise "Reverse Toe Raising" is the counterpart to "Toe Raising." Both exercises are rarely performed by athletes, although they can provide added value for stretching and strengthening the front and side of the lower legs.

Seated Calf Stretch by Touching Toes (Stretching)

Seated calf stretching by touching the toes intensifies the stretching effect in the rear lower legs through the movement. Different variations are available in a seated position, allowing you to stretch both legs simultaneously or alternately.

Lung calf stretch (stretching)

The exercise "Calf Stretching in a Lunge" incorporates lunges into the training. Due to its similarity to other lunge variations, athletes can easily incorporate this exercise into a leg workout, including other lunge exercises. The weight shift leads to a pleasant stretch in the rear calf muscles, making this exercise suitable for beginners as well.

Turning your feet to the middle (stretching)

A less common stretching exercise involves rotating the foot towards the center. This exercise is not frequently performed, despite its straightforward execution and suitability for athletes at any stage of development. When rotating the foot, the emphasis is particularly on the lateral part of the lower leg, an area that typically receives less attention in the context of calf training or stretching exercises.

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