EXERCISES TO STRENGTHEN THE SOLEUS MUSCLE

Soleus muscle is the largest muscle of the leg which lies beneath the gastrocnemius muscle. The soleus muscle helps in running, walking and dancing. It also helps the body prevent a fall forwards. When you stand on one foot, it is the soleus muscle that helps you to maintain the balance.It is a powerful muscle that remains active with all types of weight bearing workouts. Here are the best exercises to strengthen this important muscle of your body;

Soleus bridge

Lie flat on the floor. Raise the legs and place the balls of the feet on an elevated surface.Do a hip extension in a glute bridge position. Do a calf rise and pause for a second.Reverse the process and repeat

Soleus raise

This is a regular squat where you need to perform a calf raise by raising on your toes. Hold the position for a few seconds and return to normal squat. Repeat this.You can couple this by adding some resistance.Bent knee calf raises.Sit straight with legs bent perpendicularly.Put the balls of your feet on an elevated surface.Feel the stretch by lowering and lifting your heels in a repeated manner.This is a simple workout and can be done without any equipment.

Bent Knee stretch

Sit on the floor with legs straight. Fix a towel or a band around the middle finger of the foot.Pull the band towards you till you feel the stretch.Hold for few seconds and then repeat

Standing wall stretch

Place your hands against a wall.Take one leg back with knee straight.Bend both the knees.Hold the stretch for few seconds.Now switch the position of the legs and repeat