The heart pumps oxygenated blood to cells throughout the body. By the time it reaches the feet, the blood needs to be refilled with oxygen but the filling station is all the way up in the lungs!
What is the best way to reoxygenate blood so cells don’t die?
- Stand on head and let gravity do its thing
- Look for a heart in calves to pump blood up to lungs
- Carry oxygen tank at all times
- N o n e. of the above
Whew! It’s simple…..
Calf muscle contracts with each heel lift when walking a la three point foot roll.
DO YOU WALK LIKE THIS?
- heel drive
- roll through foot
- end step by pushing off great toe
When heel lift is engaged, the contracted calf muscle projects blood upwards in vein
and a valve very appropriately closes to hold the blood in place until next step.
This is a ratcheting process. How perfect!
WRONG
Quite often, calves are not in optimal condition to perform this essential function
SOLUTION
- Eat a variety of vegetables and protein
- Keep calves strong and flexible
- Maintain steady levels of hydration
- Check out your gait for three point foot roll
BONUS
Healthy calves are major players in balance, retrieval and proprioception. All this adds up to fall and fracture prevention as well as better heart health!!
CALF CARE is covered in each class of Osteofitness tm.along with bone building and nutrition for bones and muscles!
Would love to see you in the program!
Beverley Ikier
LMT NCBTMB CPT
Member of Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation
Member of International Osteoporosis Foundation