If you want to stay healthy, just walking is not enough; it is important to activate your 'second heart' as well.:

News Topical, Digital Desk : People often prioritize walking, running, or cycling for heart health, but the calf muscles also play a vital role in heart health. They are called the "second heart" because they help pump blood upward from the lower body, reducing pressure on the heart. Doing exercises that target the calves before a walk not only strengthens the muscles but also helps keep the heart healthy for a long time.

Why are calf muscles called the second heart?

The calf muscles act like pumps, stimulating blood circulation from the legs to the heart. When these muscles contract and expand, blood pooling in the veins decreases, reducing the risk of swelling, blood clots, and high blood pressure. Strong calf muscles maintain a smooth supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Exercises for the calf muscles

Calf raises - Stand straight with your feet hip-width apart. Slowly lift your heels to stand on your toes and then lower back down. Repeat this 12-15 times. This exercise improves calf strength and blood pumping capacity. Performing calf raises before a walk warms up your legs and improves blood flow to the heart.
Ankle Circles - Lift one foot off the ground and, keeping the heel still, rotate the ankle clockwise and then counterclockwise 10 times each. This exercise improves flexibility in the muscles and joints around the calf, which improves blood circulation.
Toe Walks – Stand on your toes and walk slowly for 20-30 steps, then return to a normal walk. This exercise increases the endurance of the calf muscles, which reduces fatigue during walking.
Seated Heel Raise - Sit in a chair and place your feet on the floor. Then slowly raise your heels and lower them back down. Repeat 15-20 times. This is ideal for those who work in a sedentary office.
Calf Stretch - Stand facing a wall with one foot forward and the other back. Keep the heel of your back foot on the ground and bend forward. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds. This exercise reduces tension in the calf muscles, improves flexibility, and makes walking pain-free.