Our hearts works very hard to make sure we have the energy and strength to do everything we need. However, as gracious our organs are to us, most of us are not as helpful back to it. Whether it is eating junk food, not exercising, sleeping late etc. However, did you know, your heart is not the only one bearing the burden? You also have another heart in your body contributing to your health. Heart transplant cardiologist Dr. Dmitry Yaranov calls your calf muscles your "second heart" for a very good reason. When you move your legs, these muscles squeeze and relax, which helps push blood back up toward your main heart. This pumping action is essential for good circulation throughout your body. Without it, blood can pool in your lower legs, making it harder for your heart to work. By keeping your calf muscles strong, you help your body's entire circulatory system run smoothly, which can prevent problems like dangerous blood clots. How Your ‘Sitting’ Lifestyle Is Killing Your Heart Our modern lives often involve a lot of sitting, which is a big problem for our calves and our hearts. When we don't use our calf muscles, they weaken and lose their ability to pump blood effectively. Dr. Yaranov warns that this forces your main heart to work much harder to circulate blood on its own. Over time, this extra strain can cause circulation to slow down, leading to swelling in your legs, high blood pressure, and a much higher risk of heart failure. No pill can replace the natural, powerful benefits of simply moving your body. Simple Ways to Keep Your Calves Strong The good news is that you can easily strengthen your calf muscles without a gym. Dr. Yaranov suggests simple changes to your daily routine. Try to walk every day to get your blood flowing. You can also do calf raises while you're sitting at your desk or waiting in line at the grocery store. Whenever possible, choose to take the stairs instead of the elevator. These small, consistent actions will help keep your "second heart" strong and healthy for life, which in turn protects your main heart. Calf Exercises You Can Do At Home Calf Raises Stand with your feet flat on the ground. Slowly lift your heels as high as you can, balancing on your toes, then lower yourself back down with control. Repeat for several repetitions to build strength. Single Leg Calf Raise Stand on one leg, using a chair or wall for balance. Lift your heel as high as possible, then lower it back down slowly. This variation helps improve your balance and builds strength one leg at a time. Standing Calf Stretch Stand a few feet from a wall and place your hands on it. Step one foot back and lean forward, keeping your back heel on the floor to feel a deep stretch in your calf. Hold for 30 seconds. Dumbbell Calf Raise Hold a dumbbell in each hand. Stand with your feet flat on the ground. Lift your heels and rise up onto your toes. Squeeze your calf muscles at the top before slowly lowering yourself back down. Seated Calf Raise Sit on a chair and place your feet flat on the floor. Place a heavy book or a dumbbell on your knees for weight. Lift your heels as high as you can, then slowly lower them for a controlled movement.