It is very important to exercise our calf muscles consistently to maintain their proper function into old age. It is also important to target the calf muscles individually, which we can do by exercising them with legs straight and with knees bent. This is exactly what we do in this yoga practice. We warm up your calves and then strengthen them with several targeted standing poses. We challenge your calves to power your movement and to maintain balance both with legs straight and with the knees bent.

This is a pretty strong practice, so if your knees are feeling vulnerable or unstable, do not lift both heels in Lunge and Goddess poses. You might also benefit from having a chair or wall nearby if you are feeling a bit wobbly.