About the Calves
Your calf muscles help you stand on your tiptoes and push off when you walk or run. They work opposite to your shin muscles. When you do a calf raise, your calf muscles are working.
- Gastrocnemius: The larger, visible muscle that gives your calf its shape. It's most active when your knee is straight and you're pushing off your toes.
- Soleus: A flat muscle underneath that helps with standing. It's most active when your knee is bent, like when you're sitting down.