Soleus
Running beneath the muscle which composes the main bulk of the lower leg, the soleus is a thinner flat muscle which aids in the extension of the ankle joint.
Being responsible for the same movement as the larger gastrocnemius muscle, the soleus has the notable difference of being at a greater mechanical advantage when the knee is bent during the extension of the ankle joint. This leaves the gastrocnemius is a less active role, allowing the soleus to be the prime recruiter.
The soleus is optimally trained using the seated calf raise, for the obvious fact the knees are bent at a ninety degree angle, allowing the soleus to not be overpowered by the gastrocnemius muscle.
The soleus, unlike the gastrocnemius, has a higher population of slower twitch fibres, and therefore may be best trained using a higher repetition range.
Soleus courtesy of Fitness Uncovered - Bodybuilding & Fitness
Latest health and fitness news
All news stories
Latest quizzes and tests
All quizzes &
tests
|
Home
