Seated Calf Stretch

How to do the Seated Calf Stretch

1. Sit up straight on an exercise mat.
2. Bend one knee and put that foot on the floor to stabilize the torso.
3. Straighten your other leg and flex your ankle.
4. Using a band, towel, or your hand if you can reach, pull the toes toward you. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds, then switch sides.

Muscles worked

Role	Muscles
Primary	calves
Secondary	hamstrings, lower back
Equipment	no equipment
Difficulty	beginner

Train the same muscles a different way

6 alternatives for the same calves, with and without kit.

Calves-SMR Foam Roller Peroneals-SMR Foam Roller Calf Raises - With Bands Resistance Bands Calf Raise On A Dumbbell Dumbbell Dumbbell Seated One-Leg Calf Raise Dumbbell Standing Dumbbell Calf Raise Dumbbell

Harder than the Seated Calf Stretch

Posterior Tibialis Stretch intermediate · Other Equipment Peroneals Stretch intermediate · Other Equipment Peroneals-SMR intermediate · Foam Roller

Common questions

What muscles does the Seated Calf Stretch work?

The Seated Calf Stretch primarily works the calves, with the hamstrings and lower back as secondary movers. Standing Gastrocnemius Calf Stretch, Anterior Tibialis-SMR, and Calf Stretch Elbows Against Wall train the same muscle, across 7 equipment types.

What equipment do you need for the Seated Calf Stretch?

None — the Seated Calf Stretch is bodyweight, so it works at home, in a hotel room or outdoors. Standing Gastrocnemius Calf Stretch and Anterior Tibialis-SMR also need nothing.

Is the Seated Calf Stretch suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Seated Calf Stretch is rated beginner. Posterior Tibialis Stretch, Peroneals Stretch, and Peroneals-SMR are the progressions from here.

Similar exercises

Standing Gastrocnemius Calf Stretch Bodyweight Anterior Tibialis-SMR Other Equipment Calf Stretch Elbows Against Wall Bodyweight Calf Stretch Hands Against Wall Bodyweight Calves-SMR Foam Roller Foot-SMR Other Equipment