Celina Jaitly, 43, recently opened up about staying on top of her wellness game, while sharing a practice — a “medically-backed” discovery about calves — she swears by. “Not in your chest, your second heart lives in your calves. As a #fitness freak, I’m always diving into new research and medical insights on #wellness and wellbeing. Having cared for both my parents through prolonged illness, and later losing them, I was driven by some unseen force to go even deeper into understanding the causes of diseases & how timely recovery is possible. Here’s one of the most fascinating, medically-backed discoveries I came across. You won’t believe it – it’s about our calves. Did you know your calves are nicknamed the second heart?”
The Apna Sapna Money Money actor continued, “When elders at home said meri pindliya dabado beta, or mere pair dabado, ‘pain is not leaving me beta, ‘ it wasn’t always just about tired feet or legs. Sometimes what feels like pain in the legs can actually point to something deeper. Every step you take, these muscles pump blood back up to your heart against gravity. So whether you’re walking, dancing, or sneaking to the fridge at midnight, your calves are literally doing life-saving cardio.”
Here’s what you need to keep in mind (Photo: Freepik)
Here’s the catch: Calf pain can sometimes be a symptom of #peripheralarterydisease (PAD), clogged arteries in the legs. PAD is strongly linked to cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. “Me, being a fitness freak, this came to me as big news. Of course, you should train your whole body and carve out at least 20 minutes a day for movement. But #calves, yes, those often-neglected muscles play a bigger role than most realise. Legs in general, and calves in particular, are the most skipped muscles by people who don’t work out regularly. Yet working them out isn’t just about how good you look in shorts or a mini skirt, it’s about how good your #heart feels, & how much better it looks on your doctor’s charts,” said Jaitly.
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So, men & women, no matter what your age, if you lead a sedentary lifestyle, sitting at your desk for long hours, please get up every two hours without fail and do #calfraises and #toeraises. “Calf raises can be done anywhere, anytime”.
Taking a cue from her, we turned to Dr Amit Saraf, director, internal medicine, Jupiter Hospital, Thane, to understand in detail.
Why are calves called the ‘second heart’?
The calf muscles act like a pump for your circulation. “Every time you walk or use those muscles, they squeeze the deep veins of your legs and push blood back toward the heart against gravity. This prevents blood from pooling in your lower limbs and improves overall circulation. That’s why we often call the calves the ‘second heart.’ They quietly support your cardiovascular system with every step you take,” said Dr Saraf.
What should people note about calf pain or discomfort?
Leg or calf pain is not always just about tiredness. “Sometimes, ongoing pain or cramping when you walk may signal Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a condition where the arteries supplying blood to your legs are narrowed. PAD is closely linked to higher risks of heart attack and stroke. So, if you feel leg pain that doesn’t go away, don’t ignore it. Get checked by a doctor. Early detection can prevent serious problems,” said Dr Saraf.
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What are the benefits of keeping your calves strong and active?
Regular calf exercises improve circulation, reduce swelling in the legs, lower your risk of blood clots, and boost your endurance for daily activities. “They also help with your posture and balance. Over time, strengthening your calves protects your legs and lessens strain on your heart. Think of it as doing your heart a favour through your legs,” said Dr Saraf.
When and how often should calf exercises be done?
Ideally, take a short movement break every 1 to 2 hours if you have a desk job, mentioned Dr Saraf. “Simple activities like calf raises, toe raises, or even standing up and walking for a few minutes can make a big difference. Being consistent is more important than how hard you work out,” said Dr Saraf.
Who can benefit from calf exercises?
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Almost everyone can benefit, whether you are young, middle-aged, or elderly. “People with sedentary jobs, frequent travelers, diabetics, or those with early vascular disease especially benefit. Of course, if you already have heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or severe leg pain, check with your doctor before starting. But for most people, calf workouts are safe, simple, and effective,” said Dr Saraf.
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DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.