Jacked Athlete Podcast Calf & Achilles with Dylan Carmody
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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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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.
Image And Pace Aponeurotic Calf Injuries
- If a calf strain involves aponeurosis or intramuscular tendon, respect longer healing and load progressively.
- Use imaging (ultrasound/MRI) when recurrent or severe to guide loading strategies and timelines.
Tendon Length Raises Absolute Strain And Elastic Potential
- Longer Achilles and high gastrocnemius bellies increase absolute tendon displacement for a given percent strain.
- That extra absolute strain may boost elastic recoil and reactive potential, though soleus still plays a major role.