Calf & Achilles with Dylan Carmody

Nov 8, 2025

In this insightful discussion, Dylan Carmody, a physical therapist and strength coach from Bend, OR, dives deep into calf and Achilles biomechanics. He reveals that strong calves don’t always equate to injury prevention and explores the surprising ways athletes compensate during movement. Dylan emphasizes the critical role of biomechanics in athletic performance and shares practical training strategies, including the importance of both dorsiflexion and specific loading techniques for tendon health. His expertise is a must-listen for athletes seeking to enhance their performance and prevent injuries.

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INSIGHT

Calf Biomechanics Is An Underserved Niche

Dylan Carmody found a knowledge gap on calf and Achilles biomechanics and turned it into a 70-page resource.
He focused on biomechanics because the foot's proximity to ground makes kinetic analysis simpler and informative.

ANECDOTE

Quad Weakness Caused Recurrent Calf Tears

Eric Mara described a case where a player kept tearing calves despite strong calf tests.
Biomechanical analysis showed the athlete dumped load into the ankle due to quad weakness, causing repeated soleus overload.

INSIGHT

Soleus Vs. Gastrocnemius Functional Roles

Soleus is short‑fibered, ~80% type I, with intramuscular tendons favoring efficiency and high force at short lengths.
Gastrocnemius has longer fibers, ~50/50 fiber type, and contributes more to late-stance push‑off power.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges 03:11 Dylan Carmody's Background and Expertise 05:53 The Importance of Calf Research 08:59 Biomechanics of the Calf and Achilles 12:12 Understanding Muscle Function: Soleus vs. Gastrocnemius 14:57 Training Considerations for Calf Muscles 17:47 Injury Mechanisms and Rehabilitation Strategies 20:45 The Role of Aponeurosis in Muscle Function 24:03 Exploring Tendon Strain and Adaptation 27:01 Athletic Performance and Muscle Characteristics 37:03 Exploring the Role of Soleus and Gastrocnemius in Running 42:33 Understanding Tendon Development and Strain in Calf Training 48:34 Calf Training Strategies for Runners 53:27 Assessing Calf Strength and Endurance 58:31 Balancing Muscle and Tendon Work in Training 01:03:37 Seated vs. Standing Calf Raises: A Comparative Analysis 01:10:40 Age and Injury: Calf Strains vs. Achilles Ruptures

Takeaways

Dylan Carmody is a physical therapist and strength coach. He focuses on calf and Achilles research due to a lack of resources. The calf's biomechanics are easier to study due to its proximity to the ground. Soleus and gastrocnemius have different muscle fiber types and functions. Training should consider the specific muscle and tissue involved in injuries. Injury mechanisms can be complex and involve multiple muscle groups. Aponeurosis plays a significant role in muscle function and injury recovery. Tendon strain is crucial for adaptation and performance. Longer tendons may allow for greater absolute strain during activities. Athletic performance may be influenced by muscle and tendon characteristics. The soleus plays a crucial role in decelerating the shank during running. Tendon development is essential for maintaining calf health and preventing injuries. Calf training should include both heavy and endurance-focused workouts. Assessing calf strength through standardized tests can reveal weaknesses in runners. Seated calf raises may provide more controlled loading than standing raises. Age increases the risk of both calf strains and Achilles ruptures. Effective calf training requires a blend of isometric, eccentric, and concentric exercises. Cluster sets can help achieve higher volumes of calf training without excessive fatigue. Understanding the mechanics of running can inform better training practices for athletes. Injury prevention strategies should consider both muscle and tendon health.

Dylan's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/dylancarmody.dpt

Dylan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylancarmody.dpt/?hl=en

Calf E-Book: https://www.informperformance.com/offers/JFS2R2NE/checkout

Notes: https://jackedathlete.com/podcast-156-calf-achilles-with-dylan-carmody/