Exercise Comparison
Ankle Circles vs Standing Gastrocnemius Calf Stretch
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Standing Gastrocnemius Calf Stretch
Instructions
Ankle Circles
Use a sturdy object like a squat rack to hold yourself.
Lift the right leg in the air (just around 2 inches from the floor) and perform a circular motion with the big toe. Pretend that you are drawing a big circle with it. Tip: One circle equals 1 repetition. Breathe normally as you perform the movement.
When you are done with the right foot, then repeat with the left leg.
Standing Gastrocnemius Calf Stretch
Place your right heel on a step with your knee extended and lean forward to grab your right toe with your right hand. Your left knee should be slightly bent and your back should be straight.
Support your weight on your left leg and place your left hand on your left thigh.
Pull your right toes toward your knee until you feel a stretch in your calf.
Verdict
Both exercises target the calves. Ankle Circles is a beginner exercise using none, while Standing Gastrocnemius Calf Stretch is beginner and uses none.