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A Dog for Your Calves

downdogDownward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) is another one of those cure-all poses that is said to benefit by relieving stress, re-energizing, stretching the shoulders, hamstrings, calves, arches, and hands while strengthening the arms and legs, to aiding insomnia, menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps and digestion. It's also a great remedy for the pumped-up professional! Try this counter stretch after kicking off your heels to soothe tired ankles and calves. Starting on all fours, lift hips while straightening arms and legs. At first, with arms extended, grow into the full posture by bending and bicycling knees until calves are warm enough for heels to meet the floor. Be sure to keep the chest open, tailbone extended, abs engaged, and shoulders supportive of your neck. [Photo via @grokkerinc]
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