Good Lifestyle

The human body has about 600 muscles, which meet various tasks that help the functioning of our body. There is one that is very special and little known that is in the legs. It is so important that thanks to him the heart does his job and he could also help us maintain a healthy weight. Here we tell you everything you should know.

At the end of the calves

On the back of the legs and where the calves finish there is a muscle called soleum. This originates in the tibia (internal area) and at the beginning of the fibula. It is just behind your twins and covers the back of the foot to join the so -called "Achilles Tendon."

What is it for

The soleus has a fundamental role for the mobility of the feet. Among its functions is to allow their heels to be lifted from the ground, such as the movement that the dancers make to hold on the fingers of their feet. That is, it helps to tiptoe or climb stairs, among other things. It also allows you to upload the fingers from the feet up, tensing the plantar arch. Thanks to this muscle the joints can move better when walking or runs.

Second heart?

In addition to contributing to mobility, the sole also plays an important role for the heart. Within it there are two veins that are key for the heart to pump blood in our body. When compressed, the veins that are in that muscle are filled and empty from the fluid and reach the heart. In this way, blood circulates from the legs to the organ. For this reason, doctors classify the soleus as our "second heart."

Activate metabolism

A scientific study showed that making flexions to activate the soleum accelerates oxidative metabolism. In other words, this unknown muscle participates in the process of using oxygen by our body for the burning of metabolites, such as lipids and blood glucose. Basically, this process helps regulate sugar in our circulation, accelerates oxidative metabolism and burns calories. Experts have compared these beneficial effects with the practice of physical exercise and intermittent fasting. This means that those who wish to improve their health or lose long -term weight can resort to solem flexions daily to achieve it.

Soleum exercises

Exercises to activate the soleus can be done standing or sitting. The idea is to flex this muscle. One of them consists of sitting and supporting the feet on the floor. With the relaxed muscles, the heels are raised while the front parts of the fixed feet are maintained on the ground. When you feel that you get to the maximum of that movement, you must lower your feet slowly until they are completely supported. It is advisable to perform several repetitions, at least for 20 minutes. This sitting exercise is the most effective, but the muscle can also be flexed while standing. To do this, it is recommended to make reverse strides, step back with the leg and then descend to the ground. Another way is to get on a step and support only the tips of the feet, leaving the heels in the air. Then, slowly lower your heels without touching the ground and then climb them again.

Take it easy

Although it is advisable to do soleum exercises, you cannot abuse the activity because the muscle can be stressed and suffer damage. Overexposing soleus to strength work can negatively affect your tissue. Ideally, work it regularly, slowly and avoid obsessing. For the metabolic system to work better it is essential to do full body exercises to maintain a healthy state.

Sedentary lifestyle

As well as exceeding the exercise of soleus is detrimental, not doing it at all as well. Sedentary lifestyle can tighten the muscle or limit its movement, which can cause problems with venous return. Among the symptoms of this condition are the cooling of chronic feet or headaches. In these cases, the doctor recommends placing bandages or compression socks, which are also highly recommended in the case of having to be standing for many hours.

Pathologies

Among the ailments related to the inactivity of the soleus is the so -called "tourist class syndrome." It occurs when many hours pass without movement (such as sitting tight on a plane for a long time) and the muscle does not do its job. Blood can accumulate and coagulate at the feet and generate a venous thrombosis.