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Your Body’s Most Underrated Muscle Is Crying for Help Right Now
Why Ignoring this Tiny Powerhouse Could Sabotage Your Health Goals
I was reading medical journals the other day when something made me sit up and take notice. It’s something you don’t hear enough about.
There’s this muscle in your body — one you’ve probably haven’t thought about, but it plays a key role in your health and well-being.
No, it’s not your heart. (Although you shouldn’t underestimate its importance) And it’s not the abs you work so hard to shape into a six pack.
It’s called the soleus, and it doesn’t get the respect it deserves. Let’s dig deeper.
Why the Soleus Matters for Your Health
Your calf muscle is made up of a large muscle called the gastrocnemius, which does most of the movement you do with your calves.
The soleus is a small but powerful, slow-twitch muscle located beneath the gastrocnemius in the calf. Unlike many muscles that fatigue quickly, the soleus contains a high percentage of mitochondrial-rich fibers.
This means it can sustain low-intensity activity for long periods of time. It’s like an ultra-marathon runner.
Your soleus works hard. It comes into play when you walk, run, or jump. Some people even refer to it as a second heart, although it’s a bit of an exaggeration, for obvious reasons.
Yet it does have a similar function to your heart muscle in one sense. It’s a second pump keeping your blood flowing when gravity tries to pool blood in your legs.
Mind-blowing, right?
Modern Lifestyle’s Impact on Your Soleus
Now imagine this. You’re sitting quietly reading this article (probably slouched over your phone — no judgment, we all do it).
While you’re moving your eyes across the words, this quiet little hero muscle behind your calf works to keep your blood moving back to your heart by doing what it does…
