Runners, we know your calves put in the work—but they aren’t the only muscles pulling their weight. If you’ve been dealing with tightness, shin splints, or nagging ankle pain, it might be time to shift your focus to the front of your lower leg.
In this quick video, we walk you through two simple yet highly effective exercises that target often-overlooked muscles: the tibialis anterior and the soleus. These two muscles play key roles in balancing the force your calves generate and supporting smoother, pain-free movement.
The tibialis anterior sits on the front of your shin and acts as a counterbalance to the calves. Weakness here can lead to shin splints, ankle mobility issues, and even poor running mechanics. Strengthening it restores crucial push-pull balance in your lower limbs.
The soleus, found deeper in your calf, helps with toe-off mechanics when you run. If you're a springy runner, chances are you're overworking it without even knowing. A stronger soleus can reduce strain and improve endurance during runs.
These exercises are easy to incorporate and scalable for all fitness levels. Even if you're not currently injured, adding them to your routine may help keep lower leg pain at bay and keep you running strong.
Dr. John McNeely
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