Category: EXERCISE

Achilles Tendon Exercises


Achilles Tendon: Exercises

Introduction

Here are some examples of exercises for you to try. The exercises may be suggested for a condition or for rehabilitation. Start each exercise slowly. Ease off the exercises if you start to have pain.

You will be told when to start these exercises and which ones will work best for you.

Toe stretch

Toe stretch

Toe stretch
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slide 1 of 5, Toe stretch,
  1. Sit in a chair, and extend your affected leg so that your heel is on the floor.
  2. With your hand, reach down and pull your big toe up and back. Pull toward your ankle and away from the floor.
  3. Hold the position for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
  4. Repeat 2 to 4 times a session, several times a day.

Calf-plantar fascia stretch

Calf-plantar fascia stretch
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slide 2 of 5, Calf-plantar fascia stretch,
  1. Sit with your legs extended and knees straight.
  2. Place a towel around your foot just under the toes.
  3. Hold each end of the towel in each hand, with your hands above your knees.
  4. Pull back with the towel so that your foot stretches toward you.
  5. Hold the position for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
  6. Repeat 2 to 4 times a session, up to 5 sessions a day.

Floor stretch

Calf stretch
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slide 3 of 5, Floor stretch,
  1. Stand about 2 feet from a wall, and place your hands on the wall at about shoulder height. Or you can stand behind a chair, placing your hands on the back of it for balance.
  2. Step back with the leg you want to stretch. Keep the leg straight, and press your heel into the floor with your toe turned slightly in.
  3. Lean forward, and bend your other leg slightly. Feel the stretch in the Achilles tendon of your back leg. Hold for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
  4. Repeat 2 to 4 times a session, up to 5 sessions a day.

Stair stretch

Stair stretch exercise
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slide 4 of 5, Stair stretch,
  1. Stand with the balls of both feet on the edge of a step or curb (or a medium-sized phone book). With at least one hand, hold onto something solid for balance, such as a banister or handrail.
  2. Keeping your affected leg straight, slowly let that heel hang down off of the step or curb until you feel a stretch in the back of your calf and/or Achilles area. Some of your weight should still be on the other leg.
  3. Hold this position for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
  4. Repeat 2 to 4 times a session, up to 5 times a day or whenever your Achilles tendon starts to feel tight. This stretch can also be done with your knee slightly bent.

Strength exercise

Strength exercise using a stair
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slide 5 of 5, Strength exercise,
  1. This exercise will get you started on building strength after an Achilles tendon injury. Your doctor or physical therapist can help you move on to more challenging exercises as you heal and get stronger.
  2. Stand on a step with your heel off the edge of the step. Hold on to a handrail or wall for balance.
  3. Push up on your toes, then slowly count to 10 as you lower yourself back down until your heel is below the step. If it hurts to push up on your toes, try putting most of your weight on your other foot as you push up, or try using your arms to help you. If you can’t do this exercise without causing pain, stop the exercise and talk to your doctor.
  4. Repeat the exercise 8 to 12 times, half with the knee straight and half with the knee bent.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It’s also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

Where can you learn more?

Go to kp.org/health

Enter M689 in the search box to learn more about “Achilles Tendon: Exercises”.

Exercises To Work Your Shoulder

20 Great Exercises to Work Your Shoulders

By Paige WaehnerFrom Livestrong

The following exercises show examples of moves targeting the shoulders—the front, middle, and rear deltoids as well as the rotator cuff muscles.

Choose a variety of exercises to target each part of the shoulders for a well-rounded routine.

 

How to Set Up a Shoulder Routine

  • Beginners: Choose 1-2 exercises, 1-2 sets of 12-16 reps
  • Inter/Adv: Choose an exercise from each group – An overhead press, a rotation exercise, a lateral raise and a front raise to hit all muscle groups. Go for 2-3 sets of 8-12 reps, resting between sets
  • Use enough weight that you can ONLY complete the desired number of reps

 

Overhead Press With a Barbell

An overhead press with a barbell is probably one of the hardest shoulder exercises you can do. When you lift anything overhead, it’s tough, but using a barbell, you can really lift heavy. Just make sure you keep your back straight. If you have to arch it to get the weight up, it’s too heavy.

Overhead Dumbbell Press

A Dumbbell overhead press
Ben Goldstein

What we love about the overhead dumbbell press is that it allows you to work each arm individually. When you use a barbell, as in the previous exercise, your stronger arm may do more of the work. Having a weight in each hand forces each shoulder to work on its own.

3Arnold Press

The Arnold press doesn’t look like a big deal, but adding that rotation involves the front delt a bit more than a regular overhead press. You start with the palms facing in and then, as you press the arms up, your rotate the hands so that they’re facing out. It’s tougher than it looks.

One Arm Press

When you do one arm at a time, you not only challenge your shoulder, you challenge your core. Sit on a ball and you add even more instability, which helps you work on balance, stability, core, and shoulder strength all at the same time.

5 Alternating Overhead Press

 

Another variation on the overhead press is to alternate arms. This adds some variety and you focus on keeping the core strong as you slowly alternate sides. This can really change how the exercise feels.

6

 

Band Overhead Press

We love the band for the overhead press because you get more time under tension. The band makes your muscles work on the way up and on the way down, unlike dumbbells. You’ll want a light band for this one or just do one arm at a time.

7

 

Front Raise

Shoulder Front Raise
Ben Goldstein

The front raise, of course, works the front of the deltoids and, because the arms are straight and coming up to the front of the body, you’ll want to keep the weight right here. You’ll also feel your core work as you lift the weights up.

8

 

Incline Front Raise

Take the front raise up a notch in intensity by getting into an incline position on the ball. You’ll really feel gravity working against you here, and you’ll feel your lower body kick into gear. Be sure to lift only to shoulder level and don’t swing the weights, but lift them slowly.

9

 

Lateral Raise

Lateral raises are a classic shoulder exercise, targeting the front and mid deltoids. This long lever move has your arms almost straight (your elbows should be slightly bent) which means you typically stick with a lighter weight for this exercise.

10

 

Bent Arm Lateral Raise

This takes the typical lateral raise and shortens the lever with arms bent at 90 degrees. This allows you to lift a little heavier weight than you probably would with lateral raises. Just another variation to fire your muscle fibers in a different way.

11

 

One Arm Lateral Raise on the Ball

If you want to add intensity and a balance challenge, prop one side of the body on the ball at an angle and lift a light weight just to shoulder level. With gravity working against you, you’ll really work your deltoids.

12

 

Reverse Fly

Now we move to the back of the shoulders, the rear delts as well as the upper back. For this move, you want a slight bend in the elbows and make sure you lead with the elbows. You want a light weight here so you don’t have to heave to lift the weights up. They should only go to shoulder level.

13

 

One Arm Band Rear Fly

This move targets both the rear delt as well as the upper back. Because you’re on your hands and knees, you can really focus on the working arm. The idea is to keep your elbow slightly bend and to lead with that elbow when lifting the arm up.

14

 

Crossover Rear Delt Fly With Band

We love this move because you’re standing, which means you’re involving the entire body, and you’re using a band, which always adds some intensity. The idea is to stand on the band and bring the opposite arm across the body, focusing on the rear delt and the upper back.

15

 

Incline Rear Fly on the Ball

We love this version of the rear fly. The ball give you support while also adding a little instability. You’re at the perfect angle to lift the weights up to torso level. The elbows are bent here, so you’re squeezing the shoulder blades and working the shoulders as well as the upper back.

16

 

Band Rear Delt Squeeze

This exercise is a great warm up for the arms and the upper back. You need to keep your hands the right distance apart to keep tension on the band when your arms come together and with you squeeze them apart. This, again, works the shoulders and the upper back.

17

 

External Shoulder Rotation With Band

Your rotators are the smallest muscles of the shoulder, but the most prone to injury. For this move, you want to keep the elbow next to the body as you open the arm up, taking it as far back as your flexibility allows.

18

 

Internal Shoulder Rotation With Bands

This move is the opposite move from the external rotation above. Now you’re rotating the arm and shoulder inward, working the rotators in a different way. You’ll probably need more tension on the band for this exercise.

19

 

Upright Rows

woman doing upright row
Ben Goldstein

Upright rows are another great move for the shoulders, but you want to make sure you do it right. You want to slowly pull the weights up, keeping them very close to your body, and take the elbows just a bit higher than the shoulders.

20

 

Shoulder Pushup

If you really want a tough exercise, this is it. It’s like a pushup for your shoulders. We show this on the ball, which is even harder. I would start on the floor or a chair before trying the ball. Basically, you’re in a pike position doing pushups. Crazy!

CorePower Yoga Class

Why CorePower Yoga Isn’t Just Another Yoga Class

SARA LINDBERG  From LiveStrong

It used to be that you could find only one, maybe two, types of yoga classes, even if you lived in a big city like New York or Los Angeles. But now, there’s a yoga-based workout for just about everyone. And with names like “Yogilates,” “Glo-ga” (glow-in-the-dark yoga) and “Voga” (vogue yoga, apparently), it’s no wonder people are curious to check out what’s going on at their nearest studio.

(Image: Courtesy of Core Power Yoga)

One chain in particular has found its niche combining yoga with strength training — CorePower Yoga. Though you won’t get as jacked as a CrossFitter, if you ever wished that your strength training workouts were a bit more mindful (or that your yoga workouts were a bit more intense), check out one of their classes. Before you sign up, though, here’s the insider’s guide to CorePower Yoga.

What Is CorePower Yoga?

Think of CorePower Yoga as a purposeful, intense physical workout, paired with the traditional mindfulness and flow of yoga. In fact, they claim that “our version of yoga is unlike any other.” That said, if you’re looking for traditional Hatha, Ashtanga or Iyengar yoga, know that you won’t find it here.

Classes range from beginner-friendly to “yoga experience a plus,” but stretching and strengthening your muscles is the goal of each session. Below is a breakdown of each of their four classes.

Read more: How to Get Started With Yoga

(Image: Courtesy of Corepower Yoga)

How Hard Are CorePower Yoga Classes?

Every class at CorePower Yoga is carefully curated and blends physicality with mindfulness, which allows students to choose how intense they make their experience, says Christie Klach, CorePower Yoga New York City area leader and master trainer.

CorePower Yoga 1: A beginner-friendly yoga class taught at a moderate pace. Klach says C1 is a foundational class with a set sequence that allows you to become confident with yoga poses thorough repetition.

CorePower Yoga 2: This is the brand’s signature workout that centers around a more demanding Vinyasa structure. It’s a heated class (95 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit) and builds on basic yoga postures while increasing the intensity.

Yoga Sculpt: This class adds free weights to CorePower 2 Yoga sequencing and cardio. It’s a one-of-a-kind yoga experience, says Klach. Like CorePower Yoga 2, Yoga Sculpt is a “yoga experience a plus” level, so make sure you know your Down Dog from your Up Dog before reserving your mat.

Hot Power Fusion: Power yoga meets hot yoga in this beginner-friendly workout taught at 98 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. With a focus on yoga poses that open the shoulders, hips and spine while strengthening your core and upper body, this class is appropriate for all fitness levels.

To get a better idea of both the intensity and mindfulness of CorePower Yoga, Klach recommends taking both Yoga Sculpt and CorePower Yoga 2 (as long as you already feel comfortable in a standard yoga class).

What to Expect in a CorePower Yoga Class

Each class is structured differently, but most run about 60 minutes in duration. Sizes vary, too, depending on the studio, but on average, Klach says they see about 20 to 35 students in each session.

Since the CorePower Yoga 1 class is an introduction to the method, you can expect to move at a slower pace, with a focus on connecting your breath to your movement. The instructor demonstrates the moves and gives hands-on adjustments as needed.

The CorePower Yoga 2 class builds on the poses you learn in the first level, with a few additions. Expect to challenge your yoga skills, as well as your core, as you move through various yoga sequences in a heated space.

In the CorePower Sculpt class, you can expect to do a combination of yoga poses, strength training exercises (think: lunges, push-ups, squats, triceps kickbacks, rows and biceps curls) and cardio drills like high-knees and single-leg kicks. It’s a high-intensity session that combines cardio and strength training into a full-body workout, so be ready to sweat (and then be sore).

If you’re in the mood for heat, the Hot Power Fusion class will definitely warm you up. The routine combines the power of Vinyasa postures with hot yoga to give you a challenging workout. Even though the class is accessible to students of all levels, the instructors recommend taking a few CorePower Yoga 1 classes before jumping into the heat. And if you’re prone to lightheadedness or fainting, you may want to sit this one out.

Read more: These 16 Unique Yoga Classes Let You Try Some Far-Out Flows

(Image: Courtesy of Corepower Yoga)

Tips for Your First CorePower Yoga Class

As trivial as it may seem, what you wear to CorePower Yoga makes a difference. Klach suggests wearing fitted, sweat-wicking workout clothes because whether you want to or not, you will sweat! And if you’re taking one of the heated classes, make sure the clothing you choose allows you to feel comfortable in a heated space (i.e. you’ll likely want to opt for shorts over full-length leggings).

One perk for newbies is that every studio offers a free yoga mat and towel on your first visit, and after that, you can either bring your own or rent from them for a fee. Don’t forget your water bottle, either — but in case you do, you can always purchase one at the studio.

You don’t need a reservation for a majority of CorePower studios, but if you want to catch a class during peak hours (think: early morning or after work), it’s best to show up 10 to 15 minutes early. First timers should arrive 15 minutes before class to meet the instructor and ask questions.

Lastly, it’s important to keep coming to class on a consistent basis. “The more you experience the CorePower Yoga community and get familiar with the yoga poses and intensity, the more you’ll discover the magic that happens when you work your physical body and your mind,” says Klach.

Find a CorePower Yoga Class Near You

Ready to give this unique yoga fitness experience a try? The CorePower Yoga website has a full list of their studios to help you find a location near you. With more than 200 studios nationwide, including locations in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Minnesota, New York, Tennessee, Washington and many more, you’re likely to find a class that fits your needs and schedule.

Another first-timer perk is getting your first week free. Be sure to check each studio’s website for its particular pricing structure, because the amount you pay per class varies by location. For example, a single class in Los Angeles will run you $27, while a studio in New York City charges $32 per workout.

Even if you’re not close enough to access one of their studios, you can still get your sweat and Savasana on whenever, wherever with CorePower Yoga On Demand. Available on multiple devices including iPhone, Android and fireTV, the on-demand classes are just as great a workout as one live in the studio.

Plus, you can try a free week of unlimited classes, so you have nothing to lose. And if you decide to sign up, you’ll have access to unlimited workouts for $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year, with the option to cancel anytime.

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