Leg Workouts: Toning Thighs and Strengthening Knees

Toning legs and strengthening the knees requires targeted movements like vastus medialis exercises and lying straight leg raises. Discover safe leg workouts for bad knees and learn which cardio machines are best for joint health.

Exercises for the Soleus Muscle

Published Jul,08 2011 | By Meg Campbell

The gastrocnemius and the soleus are the two muscles that comprise your calf. The larger, visible muscle is the gastrocnemius, which raises your heel off the floor and works with your hamstrings to flex your knee and bring your heel toward your glute.

Meg Campbell is a wellness expert with nearly two decades of experience as a fitness coach, group exercise instructor, and nutrition specialist. She began her full-time freelance writing career in 2010, and writes extensively about nutrition, health, and medicine. Ms. Campbell divides her time between the United States and Argentina.