Stretching the achilles tendon and calf with a towel

I warn you… this stretch can make you feel queasy!

Lie on the floor on your back and place a rolled up towel (bath sized towel) under one foot so that you are holding either end with either hands.

Straighten the leg so that it’s at a 90 degree angle to your body and make sure you keep your knee completely locked so your leg is dead straight.

Now, ensuring the towel is placed on the ball of your foot pull down as hard as you can so that your toes are pulled towards the floor. You should feel the stretch right from your achilles tendon through to your calf. Hold the stretch and breath in through your nose and out through your mouth in a deep and controlled way. Take at least 5 deep breaths and then repeat the stretch with the other leg.

This is a great first thing in the morning, last thing in the evening stretch that really helps to loosen up my lower legs.