At Core Gymball, each term brings a fresh focus designed to keep your body strong, balanced, and moving well. For Term 4, we are turning our attention to the knees with a program we’ve called Naughty to Nice Knees.
This theme highlights the important relationship between strong, stable knees and a resilient core. While many people think of the thigh and hip muscles as the main protectors of the knee, research is now pointing to another key player: the soleus.
Why the Soleus Matters
The soleus is the deep calf muscle that sits underneath the gastrocnemius (the more visible calf muscle). Despite being less well known, it has a surprisingly big role in knee health.
When strong, the soleus provides support for the tibia (shin bone), helping to control forward movement and maintain alignment at the knee. This stabilising action can protect against excessive stress on the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and reduce the risk of inward knee collapse (known as valgus). For people with anterior knee pain strengthening the soleus may help relieve symptoms and improve load distribution across the knee.
The Core–Knee Connection
Healthy knees don’t work in isolation. They rely on a strong, coordinated foundation from the core and hips. By combining our established core stability training with targeted soleus strengthening, this term’s program creates a balanced approach: building stability from the ground up, while continuing to support whole-body strength and mobility.
Why This Term Will Benefit You
- Enhanced stability: Protect your knees by improving tibial control.
- Injury prevention: Reduce the risk of knee pain.
- Functional strength: Support walking, running, and lifting with a stronger foundation.
- Whole-body balance: Keep your workouts varied and engaging while addressing a key area of need.
You’ll continue to enjoy the variety and creativity of our group physio classes, but this term brings a fresh emphasis on lower-leg exercises to support knee stability. Our aim is to help you move with ease, strengthen and protect your knees, and reduce discomfort — all within the same fun, supportive Core Gymball environment you know and enjoy.