Flex Time: Stretching Guide to Loose and Limber Muscles

Calves

Wearing high heels puts your feet in a downward-slanting position that automatically shortens calf muscles. Too much tip-toe strolling over time causes those muscles to remain short even when you're in flats.

The Test
Sit on floor with legs extended, feet flat against a wall, arms by sides with palms down. Without moving heels away from wall, flex left foot so that toes point toward body. Switch feet and repeat to get score for right calf.

Good (3 points): Ball of foot moves 2 to 3 inches from wall.
Fair (2 points): Ball of foot moves 1 to 2 inches from wall.
Poor (1 point): Can't get to 90 degrees with knee straight.