21/08/2025
🚶♀️ Did you know you have a second heart in your calves? But it only works when you move.
It's why walking is the most powerful health habit you can build.
It turns out your body has a “second heart”—and it’s hiding in your calves. Known as the soleus, this powerful muscle plays a crucial role in circulation by pumping blood back up toward the chest, helping your actual heart overcome gravity. When it’s active, it prevents blood from pooling in the legs, reducing risks of swelling, varicose veins, and even dangerous blood clots. But unlike your heart, the soleus only works when you move.
Experts at the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic warn that prolonged sitting or even standing still can shut down this vital pump. The good news: keeping it active is simple. Walking once or twice every hour is the best way to engage your calf pump, but even toe raises at your desk or on a long flight can help. For those dealing with chronic swelling, elevating legs above the heart or using compression socks provides added support. Ultimately, consistent movement is the secret to keeping your second heart strong—and your overall circulation healthy.
Source: Cleveland Clinic; Mayo Clinic
