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Lower Legs · Body Weight
Seated Straight Leg Calf Stretch
Seated Straight Leg Calf Stretch is a beginner isolation flexibility exercise that works the calves (lower legs), with the hamstrings assisting. It needs only a mat. A typical prescription is 2-3 sets of 30-60-second holds, and it burns about 3.1 calories per minute.
- Target
- Calves
- Body part
- Lower Legs
- Equipment
- Body Weight
- Category
- Flexibility
- Mechanic
- Isolation
- Force
- Static
- Sets × reps
- 2-3 × 30-60 sec hold
- Calories / min
- ≈ 3.1 kcal
Primary muscles
- Calves · Gastrocnemius, Soleus
Secondary muscles
- Hamstrings · Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus
How to do Seated Straight Leg Calf Stretch
- Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight in front of you.
- Lightly bend both knees and extend your right foot, reaching forward to grasp your toes with your right hand.
- Gently pull your toes towards you, feeling the stretch in your calf muscle.
- Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds, then slowly release. Repeat on the left leg.
Form tips
- Maintain a straight back as you reach forward to enhance the effectiveness of the stretch.
- Engage your core muscles to support your lower back and avoid rounding your shoulders.
- Move slowly and with control to prevent overstretching or injury.
Seated Straight Leg Calf Stretch alternatives
More calves exercises
Seated Straight Leg Calf Stretch FAQ
What muscles does Seated Straight Leg Calf Stretch work?
Seated Straight Leg Calf Stretch mainly works the calves in the lower legs (Gastrocnemius and Soleus). The hamstrings work as secondary muscles.
What equipment do you need for Seated Straight Leg Calf Stretch?
You need only a mat.
How many sets and reps of Seated Straight Leg Calf Stretch should I do?
Start with 2-3 sets of 30-60-second holds. Pick a load or variation where the last one or two reps are hard but your form stays clean.
Is Seated Straight Leg Calf Stretch good for beginners?
Yes. Seated Straight Leg Calf Stretch is rated beginner, so it's a sound choice while you learn to train the calves.
How many calories does Seated Straight Leg Calf Stretch burn?
About 3.1 calories per minute for a person of around 70 kg, based on a MET value of 2.5. Ten minutes of work is roughly 31 calories; heavier people burn more.
What is a good alternative to Seated Straight Leg Calf Stretch?
Other exercises for the calves include Calf Stretch With Rope, Seated Calf Machine, Dumbbell Seated One Leg Calf Raise Hammer Grip and Kettlebell Seated Calf Raise.
For developers
Use Seated Straight Leg Calf Stretch in your app
Get this exercise and 1,900+ others from the WorkoutX API: 720p MP4 animations at 30 fps without the watermark, male and female models, muscles, instructions and form tips in 7 languages.
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