PHOTOS: JOE HANCOCK; MODEL: DAYNA SERAYE; STYLIST: EMILY CHOI; TOP: PHAT BUDDHA; BOTTOMS: NUX
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august 2017yogajournal.comCalf Raises
This dynamic move strengthens the front
and back of your lower legs—the prime
“mover” of the ankle. This seemingly
simple motion builds strength in the
Achilles tendon, which is where the gas-
trocnemius and soleus (two calf muscles
that help you elevate your heel) converge,
and then transition behind the ankle joint
into connective tissues on the bottom of
your feet.
HOW TO Stand in Tadasana with your
feet facing forward, and sense your body
weight dispersing across your feet. Push
your toes into the ground and raise onto
the balls of your feet, attempting to keep
weight and pressure evenly distributed
across all of your toes. Slowly lower
down to the ground and then immedi-
ately rise again. Keep in mind that the
lowering portion of this move is just
as important as the lifting motion, so
don’t rush it. Repeat 10–20 times. If
balancing is a challenge, hold a wall,
a counter, or a chair with one hand.LiquidBalance
Better Mat. Better Practice.
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