Stretching legs?

Question

I am a dancer and i've always had trouble being able to bend my legs without lifting my heels off the ground. My teacher said it's because I have tight calf muscles. Does anyone know how to stretch your calf muscles so i'll be able to bend lower?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Try taking Yoga classes, compared to Pilates is the best discipline to stretch all your body till it's laffy taffy!!!

Answer 2

try the upside down v position. it looks like this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevin_irela...

make sure your weight is shifted forward. put your foot around your right ancle. then try to put your right ancle into the ground. cout to like fifteen and switch legs.

Answer 3

Try doing lunges. I had your same problem and they helped me. Be sure to turn your feet in, though, and keep your heels down.

Also, raising your entire foot off the ground except for the back of your heel helps. You can only do one foot at a time, though, and it has to be in front of you more. Keep your standing leg straight and pull back against your extended foot without actually moving it.

Sitting on the ground with straight knees and touching your toes may help, too.

Hope this helped and good luck! =)