Calf Stretching to Help lower back and Hamstrings

Quick Tip: Stretch those calves when your hamstrings and back are tight! The calves can be over looked when someone is suffering from hamstring and/or lower back tightness BUT often one can't even get to the hams and back because their calves are so tight. Try stretching them first, use a towel or strap around the ball of your foot, while on your back, straighten the leg even if its closer to the floor than the ceiling and gently pull until you feel the calf stretch, hold for at least 60 secs. then repeat and slowly move the leg a little higher once you feel the calves stretched. Remember stretch with a straight knee! you wont get anywhere with a bent knee. A standing stretch is only healthy when done on a slant calf stretch board so the whole foot is supported, try not to hang off a step and stretch, keep the foot supported on an angled base. And in case you haven't checked it out look who's 1 of the Top 21 instructors in a new book! "Starting Pilates"! http://www.amazon.com/Starting-Pilates-Interviews-Instructors-ebook/dp/B007AVHK7S/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329698295&sr=1-4#reader_B007AVHK7S