Yoga Moves with YuMee: Calf Pose
Calf Pose - High Heel Helper
If you wear heels on a regular basis, calf stretches are a must. These postural muscles are notorious for losing their range of motion when held in a shortened position for long periods of time, such as when wearing heels. At least fifteen degrees of dorsiflexion (bending the top of the foot back towards the face at the ankle joint) is required to run and walk properly. Downward Facing Dog is a yoga pose that can undo some of the damage caused by inappropriate footwear.
Looking to improve your lower body moo-bility? Look no further than Calf Pose. This deep stretch for the hamstrings and, ahem, calf muscles is essentially one quarter of a yoga classic called Cow Face Pose.
Sit on the ground with your legs outstretched and the soles of the feet resting on a wall or against yoga blocks. Ensure the feet are hip-distance apart and parallel to one another.
Bend your right knee and step the foot onto the opposite side of the left thigh.
Stack right knee over left in the midline of your body and rest the pinky-side of your right foot beside your left outer hip.
If there is a large gap between your knees, fill it with a folded blanket or sofa cushion.
Yoga Moves with YuMee, November 21st to 23rd, 2025
A cherished member of our Teacher Training Faculty alumni, YuMee has led many wonderful workshops at Luna, and we’re so happy to have her return for a full weekend of movement and learning.
Inhale as you grow taller through the spine and angle your upper body forward over the outstretched leg as you exhale, supporting yourself with your hands. Think about reaching your chin out in front of your knee.
Milk the pose for all its worth by angling the left foot away from the wall or yoga block.
Take five slow breaths before switching sides.
YuMee Chung E-RYT-500 YACEP is a former securities lawyer who left a busy practice to engage more deeply with life. More than 25 years later, she is one of Canada’s most in-demand yoga instructors, a consultant, and a columnist for the Toronto Star. YuMee is a teacher’s teacher who sits on the faculty of numerous Yoga Alliance certified yoga teacher training programs and leads international workshops and retreats. While she is on the speed dial of physicians, CEOs, and A-list celebrities, YuMee is known as a down-to-earth, kind-hearted and relatable teacher who communicates about the most nuanced parts of the yogic journey with clarity, grace, and humour.
