The calf muscle, or gastrocnemius, is a key player in foot push-off and also flexes the knee joint on our swing leg. It's rare to find a runner who is flexible and strong in this region.

The calf is in the back of the lower leg, below the knee. It consists of two muscles: The gastrocnemius and the soleus. Muscle tightness and cramps commonly occur in the gastrocnemius muscle.

The soleus, which is the deeper calf muscle located beneath the gastrocnemius (the chief muscle of the calf), can handle forces up to 6-8 times your body weight when running, "so only doing bodywe ...

A pulled or strained calf muscle refers to a strain in the two muscles at the back of your leg, the gastrocnemius and soleus. It usually takes three days for it to start feeling better ...

The calf muscle comprises three different muscles called the gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris. These muscles come together above the ankle to form the Achilles tendon. Injuries that can affect ...

Your calves are made up of two muscles that run down the back of your leg, the gastrocnemius and the soleus, says India McPeak, CSCS. Standing calf raises engage both muscles, making your calves ...

You don't have to be a professional football player to need strong calf muscles. When your lower-leg muscles are in shape, they help you move and feel better. The calf muscle actually refers to ...

The calf muscle is comprised of two main muscles — the gastrocnemius and the soleus — as well as the smaller, less important muscle called the plantaris, all of which unite to form the ...

Your calves are made up of two muscles that run down the back of your leg, the gastrocnemius and the soleus, says India McPeak, CSCS. Standing calf raises engage both muscles, making your calves ...