Soleus
Musculus soleus
The soleus is the broad flat muscle deep to the gastrocnemius that plantarflexes the ankle and is the primary calf muscle during walking and standing posture. Because it does not cross the knee, it is targeted with the knee bent (seated calf raises). It is rich in slow-twitch fibers and highly fatigue-resistant, so it responds to higher-rep training.
- Actions
- Ankle plantarflexion
- Origin
- Posterior surface of the head and upper third of the fibula, soleal line and middle third of the medial border of the tibia, and the tendinous arch between tibia and fibula
- Insertion
- Posterior surface of the calcaneus via the calcaneal (Achilles) tendon
- Innervation
- Tibial nerve (L5, S1, S2)
- Blood supply
- Popliteal, posterior tibial, and fibular (peroneal) arteries
Synergists GastrocnemiusPlantarisTibialis PosteriorFlexor Hallucis LongusFlexor Digitorum LongusFibularis Longus
Antagonists Tibialis Anterior
Tendons Achilles Tendon
Exercises (26)
Trains as a primary mover
- Bodyweight Standing Calf Raise
- Calf Raise
- Donkey Calf Raise
- Leg Press Calf Raise
- Seated Calf Raise
- Single-Leg Donkey Calf Raise
- Single-Leg Dumbbell Calf Raise
- Single-Leg Leg Press Calf Raise
- Single-Leg Seated Calf Raise
- Smith Machine Calf Raise
- Standing Barbell Calf Raise
- Standing Machine Calf Raise
Assists in