Final answer:
To strengthen the gastrocnemius muscle of a client, exercises such as standing calf raises, where the client rises onto their toes, are recommended. Regular performance of these exercises with proper form will increase the strength of the gastrocnemius and also aid in thigh mobility.
Step-by-step explanation:
To strengthen your client's gastrocnemius, you can ask them to perform exercises that specifically target this muscle. The gastrocnemius, which is part of the calf muscle group, can be strengthened through various exercises, such as calf raises. One effective movement is when the client stands on their toes, as this action engages the gastrocnemius muscle.
An exercise to consider is standing calf raises: The client will stand upright with their feet hip-width apart, then they will push through the balls of their feet to raise their heels off the ground, tightening the muscles in the back of the leg. After a brief pause at the top, they will lower their heels back down to the ground to complete one repetition. This exercise will provide force on the Achilles tendon and can lead to an increase in strength when performed regularly and with correct form.
According to the given information, the gastrocnemius also assists in moving the thigh diagonally upward and outward, indicating that it plays a role in dynamic movements that involve both the leg and thigh. Therefore, strengthening the gastrocnemius is not only beneficial for actions like standing on one's toes but also for activities that require thigh mobility.