Personal Training Vancouver tips – Muscle imbalance: Part 2 overpowering calf muscles . The previous article in the series spoke to the imbalance of the trapezius muscle over the midback. Today we are going to look at how the rear calf muscles (gastrocnemius/soleus) can overpower the anterior tibialis and other muscles of the anterior lower leg segment.
This imbalance is also common in active and sedentary populations. If you look through muscle building magazines or an encyclopedia of exercises there is likely to be few, if any, exercises for the tibialis anterior. When you look at the calf exercise section you will see only exercises for the rear calf muscles. This is most likely due to the need for explosive power of the calves during sport based exercise and the aesthetics of the calf muscles. Consequence of Imbalance: Tight over active calves will prevent full dorsiflexion of the foot causing excess impact on the tibia. This affliction is pronounced in new runners causing shin splints.
Rehab: Strengthening the anterior tibialis with foot flexion exercises will help relieve the imbalance. Also stretching the calfs before, during and after running will alleviate most of the symptoms.
Vancouver Personal Training – Kalev Trainer in Yaletown
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A very interesting post of inbalance.
I feel that balance and a range of exercise is important for health and fitness, I have seen too many times, people with tiny legs from no leg weights or people with guts from too much weight work, not enough cardio.
The main problem is for competitive sports – they usually try and make the muscles used the strongest and neglect the rest.