There are simple ways to release tightness in your calves, says Lexie Williamson

The calves and Achilles tendon are ‘shock absorbers’ when you run and, as such, are prone to injury.

There are 101 ways to stretch tight calf muscles, but this is one of my favourites.

Roll up an exercise mat or towel and then place the balls of your feet on the roll so that your feet are dorsiflexed (toes pointing towards the shins).

This may be sufficient to feel the muscles in the back of your lower leg lengthening, but to move deeper into the stretch, come into a slow forward-bend by flexing your knees and folding forwards.

Aim to rest your finger tips on the floor if you can. Otherwise, pause half way down.

» Lexie Williamson is a British Wheel of Yoga and Yoga Sports Science Qualified instructor specialising in yoga for athletes. She is the author of Yoga For Runners (Bloomsbury, £16.99)