Why Your Calves Are Called the “Second Heart”: Benefits for Circulation and Daily Health
Why Your Calves Are Called the “Second Heart”: Benefits for Circulation and Daily Health
More than just a muscle for movement, your calves play a vital role in circulation—helping pump blood back to the heart and support your body throughout the day.
Our calf muscles play a crucial role in various movements such as running, walking, and jumping. These muscles are responsible for pulling the heel upwards to enable forward movement. But, did you know that your calves aren’t just a muscle? They are often called your second heart and there’s a good reason for this.
Most people assume that the heart does all the work when it comes to circulation. However, your lower body plays a huge role in this process too - especially the muscles in your calves. Every time you move your feet - whether you are walking, rising on your toes, fidgeting or flexing your ankles - your calf muscles contract. That contraction helps push venous blood upward and back towards your heart against gravity. This is called the calf muscle pump.
When your calves don’t move enough, blood can pool in your lower legs. That is when you might notice:
Heavy, tired legs
Puffiness around the ankles
Feeling stiff after sitting too long
This is where the “second heart” name comes from - your calves don’t just move you; they help you circulate blood and lighten the load on your real heart. They’re quietly supporting you all day long.
Move a little more today and your whole system benefits. Simple daily moves keep your “second heart” working well:
Toe raises
Ankle circles
Short walking breaks
Light calf stretches
You may have thought you trained your calves for strength and vanity. What you were actually doing was training your calves for better circulation and overall well-being. Just a few minutes a day make a real difference. Your body feels everything you do!
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Kim Duke is a certified personal trainer and owner of Core Performance Fitness and Training, 55 Bristol Lane, Ellicottville, NY. Kim resides in Ellicottville where she raised her sons, Zach and Nik. For more information about her studio, including private sessions and group workout classes, visit her Facebook page, www.coreperformancefitness.com, or call 716-698-1198.
