Before doing any exercises, it is always a good idea to do some stretching. This helps you so you don’t tear any muscles or pull anything.  A good way to start is to reach down and try touching your toes without bending your legs at the knee.  This becomes easier over time.  The next one is the forward lunge where you take a step forward, leaving your back heal on the ground to give your calves a good stretch.  The other is to stretch your legs to the side so you stretch out your upper thighs and leg muscles.