Leaning Stretcher Raises

Muscles worked: Calves

Leaning Stretcher Raises are a calf exercise done leaning against a support: you lean forward onto a wall or rail, then raise your heels with a stretch at the bottom of each rep.

The lean lets you get a deeper calf stretch at the bottom than a straight standing raise. Rise fully, lower slowly past flat into a gentle stretch, and keep your body in one straight leaning line.

How to do it

1. Stand facing a wall or rail and lean forward onto it, body in one straight leaning line.
2. Rise up onto your toes fully.
3. Lower slowly past flat into a gentle calf stretch at the bottom of each rep.
4. Keep your body in one straight leaning line throughout.
5. The lean lets you get a deeper calf stretch than a straight standing raise — rise fully, stretch gently, never bounce.

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Programs that include it

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General fitness information only, not medical advice. Stop if an exercise causes pain, and talk to a doctor before starting a new workout routine if you have a health condition.