In what lead researcher, professor Marc Hamilton, called the most important research that has come out of the Metabolic Innovations Laboratory at the University of Houston, a new study shows that seated calf raises, or soleus pushups, can enhance metabolic rate and burning of both fats and carbohydrates. Extensive media coverage of this new study doesn’t mention the importance of metabolic health on brain function, yet given that over 88% of the US population is metabolically unfit, this new work provides an option for building fitness for those of us who sit for much of our work or school day.

A soleus pushup is accomplished by sitting with feet flat on the floor, then raising the calf as far as it comfortably goes, then allowing the calf to lower again. This is quite different from standing calf raises, because by being seated, the main calf muscles (the gastrocnemius) aren’t able to bear the brunt of the movement, thereby putting the soleus in charge.

Hamilton explains that the soleus is unique in that it can raise local oxidative metabolism for hours, not just minutes, because the soleus doesn’t break just down glycogens, it burns blood glucose and fats while increasing oxygen consumption.

Hamilton cautions that this is not some fad way to lose weight or get fit, but it could be a healthcare breakthrough. Regardless, it seems that anything that increases metabolic health is in some small way improving brain health, so at the very least, soleus pushups do no harm.

You may read coverage of the study at Neuroscience News, and open access to the study published in iScience here.