If you’ve been following pro sports lately, it seems like every week an athlete from the NFL, NBA or MLB is dealing with a calf strain, or even worse, rupturing their Achilles tendon.
And while you can obviously go to IG or TikTok and pick up some cool new exercises, I think it’s far more important to have a really good understanding of the lower leg anatomy, how to assess it, and from there how to train it effectively if we want to make a real impact in improving calf and Achilles function.
And that’s why I’m so excited to have Dylan Carmody on the podcast – as he literally wrote an entire ebook on this topic!
Dylan is a Physical Therapist and sports practitioner in Bend, Oregon. Along with practicing and working with local sports clubs in the Bend region, Dylan is a podcast host and individual contributor to Inform Performance and is the Clinical Marketing Manager at VALD Performance.
And in this episode, we’re going to take a deep dive into everything related to calf training and performance!
You can’t hide from the calf…it’s ALWAYS there.
– Dylan Carmody
10 Quick Takeaways from This Week’s Physical Prep Podcast:
The soleus muscle plays a crucial role in lower limb function and injury prevention.
Understanding the anatomy of the calf is essential for effective rehabilitation.
Injury mechanisms can vary significantly between individuals due to anatomical differences.
Rehabilitation strategies for tendons should include specific loading protocols.
The relationship between muscle fiber types and performance is vital for training programs. Loading strategies should be tailored to individual responses.
Incorporating various planes of movement is crucial for calf training.
Slow to moderate speed running can be protective for calves.
Short ground contact times may be beneficial during rehab.
Quality over quantity in loading reps is essential.
Rehabilitation processes can be counterintuitive, especially for calves.
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Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Physical Preparation Podcast!
Mike Robertson hosts the Physical Preparation Podcast, a space dedicated to the intricate craft of building better athletes and more effective coaches. Instead of quick fixes or fads, conversations here focus on the principles and practical details that form the foundation of sustainable performance. Each episode features in-depth discussions with leading experts from the health and fitness world, breaking down complex concepts into actionable strategies. You’ll hear honest explorations of training methodologies, injury prevention, and the nuanced decisions that separate good programs from great ones. This podcast serves as a continual education for anyone serious about understanding the ‘why’ behind physical preparation, whether you’re designing regimens for others or refining your own athletic journey. The dialogue is grounded in real-world application, aiming to sharpen your critical thinking and provide tools that can be implemented immediately. Tune in for a consistently insightful look at how intelligent training philosophy translates into tangible results, fostering a deeper appreciation for the art and science of human performance.
Author: Mike Robertson
Language: en-us
Episodes: 100
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Are you frustrated by the results you’re getting or the lack of resources available to learn the skills you need to be successful?
