How to Get Rid of Stiff Muscles
Three quick tips for loosening up a stiff Achilles
Ben Greenfield
Richard wrote in about a problem he’s been having: a stiff Achilles. Tightness in calves and the Achilles (the area between the lower calf and ankle) can be especially bothersome in cold weather. Although muscle stiffness becomes more common with age, there are a variety of ways to maintain flexible and functional lower legs. Here are three quick and dirty tips:
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Use a foam roller. I discuss foam rollers more in the article How to Make A Home Gym, and you can see a video of me using a foam roller called a Rumble Roller on my lower leg and Achilles here.
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Use heat. In addition to increasing muscle elasticity with a warm-up prior to a workout, you can also use a heating pad or hot wrap to improve function of the calf and lower leg.
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Stretch. Rather than just sticking to a single stretch, incorporate a variety of stretches for your calves, such as toes against a wall or Yoga down dog position
With foam roller, heat, and stretching, you’ll find you have far more comfortable calves!
Stiff Muscle image courtesy of Shutterstock
About the Author
Ben Greenfield received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from University of Idaho in sports science and exercise physiology; personal training and strength and conditioning certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA); a sports nutrition certification from the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), an advanced bicycle fitting certification from Serotta. He has over 11 years’ experience in coaching professional, collegiate, and recreational athletes from all sports, and as helped hundreds of clients achieve weight loss and fitness success.