Expert: Daphne E Brown MS CPRP - 6/29/2005

Question
Hi there,I am currently starting to jog and I find that my muscles are pretty tight(and my calves are pretty big-sized compared to my upper body,inproportional) after jogging even after a day's rest.What kind of stretching exercises can I do to relieve it?

Also,I would like to ask if there is any right technique to jog so that my calves will not increase or decrease in size?

Will stretching of my calves before and after jogging extensively help reduce it?

Thanks

Answer
***Suggestions offered here may or may not help you in your situation. Please consult with your physician before adding or changing and exercise/nutrition regimen***

Hi Angeline!
Most people don't realize that genetics plays the lead part in how our bodies are shaped. If possible, think about how your natural parents' bodies are shaped. If they aren't obese, you may be able to discern their musculoskeletal structure. Are they long and lean? Are they short and stocky? Are they a combination? Do you get your body frame from them? Go to this website to understand BODY TYPE. http://www.weightlossforall.com/body-types-weight-loss.htm
(DISCLAIMER: I do not promote or endorse any products, services or any other weight loss claims listed on this webste). Outside of cosmetic/plastic surgery, it's really difficult to physically alter/modify "what your mother gave you".

Your questions
***is any right technique to jog so that my calves will not increase or decrease in size?
I am not aware of a way to jog without affecting your calves.  Your calves are muscles that allow for plantar foot flexion so that you can run in the first place.
***What kind of stretching exercises can I do to relieve it? Will stretching of my calves before and after jogging extensively help reduce it??
stretching is recommended after any type of exercise.  In fact, most experts agree that stretching/flexibility if a key component of the overall fitness equation.  When you exercise, you are forcing your muscles to shorten, over and over.  That's why they tend to remain tighten afterwards, often being sore as well.  Stretching helps lengthen the muscle back to it's natural length as it becomes stronger with regular exercise.  Check out these web sites (I do not endorse any site or product/service they sell or promote)

http://www.ehow.com/how_3005_stretch-calf-muscles.html
http://www.podiatrynetwork.com/r_calf_muscle_stretching.cfm
http://www.drpribut.com/sports/spstretc.html

Hope this helped some.  Hang in with your goals and keep up a HEALTHY lifestyle, love the body you are in, regardless of your body type!!!!!!

Sincerely, Daphne