Keep in mind the following tips as you perform the double calf stretch:Keep both heels flat on the floor or as close to the floor as your
flexibility allows.Keep your abs pulled in to prevent your lower back from sagging
or arching.
To increase the stretch, bend your elbows, leaning your chest toward
the wall.Photograph by Sunstreak Productions, Inc.Horse biting tail ...................................................................................
This movement stretches your abdominals, sides, and lower back. Take care
not to force this stretch, especially if you have lower-back problems.Kneel on your hands and knees so that your palms are directly beneath your
shoulders and your knees are directly below your hips. Pull your abdominals
gently inward so that your back neither sags nor arches. Slowly twist your
spine to the left as much as your flexibility allows, so that you’re looking back
over your shoulder toward your left buttock, and your left buttock moves
slightly forward (see Figure 6-7). You should feel a mild stretch spread
through your spine. Slowly move back to center and repeat to the right.Figure 6-6:
The double
calf stretch
helps
relieve
tightness in
your calf
muscles.
Chapter 6: The Scoop on Stretching 77