08/28/2026
Most people train their calves. Almost nobody trains the muscle that does the opposite job — and that gap is behind more back pain, knee pain, and ankle pain than most people realize.
In this video, John Bl**er at Function Thru Fitness in Green Bay, WI explains the tibialis anterior, what it does during walking, and how to strengthen it using nothing but a wall.
Here is the core idea: the calves typically get tight. When you strengthen the muscle on the opposite side of the lower leg — the tibialis anterior — you create more balance and space in the lower leg, which produces a smoother, more efficient walking pattern and relieves the strain that travels up to the ankle, knee, and back.
The wall version requires no equipment. Stand with your back against the wall, create some distance between your heels and the wall, and raise your toes up toward your shin. Come up fast if you like — but the descent must be slow. A 3 to 4 count lowering phase is what builds the tibialis anterior effectively. The further the heels are from the wall, the harder it is. Step closer if the load is too much.
This is corrective exercise applied to one of the most overlooked muscles in the lower body — and one of the simplest exercises for lower back pain for elderly clients and active adults to add to a routine.
Watch our video for the full explanation and demonstration. For personal trainers in green bay wi who address pain patterns at this level of detail, our team at Function Thru Fitness is here.
We believe no one should have to live in pain or feel stuck in their body.
Function Thru Fitness is one of the trusted fitness centers green bay wi, using a function fitness approach to help people move better at every stage of life through personalized training, corrective exercise, golf fitness, neuromuscular therapy, and athlete recovery.
Download our free guide: Essential Exercises for Lifelong Mobility and Independence www.ftfpt.com/essential-exercises
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