What are the best exercises to really start exploding the calves? Would like to go up to the next level rather than just playing tennis and then feeling like I got some kind of whacked ass workout on the calves.:: Here's a pic of me playing tennis but my calves need some more girth. Need to make em bigger. What exercises do you guys do for the calves specifically and what results have you gotten? Most big dudes I see, even on tv like in boxing, etc seem to neglect the calves completely but I find them as impressive as the biceps. Just a personal opinion.
Impressive calves homey ! I do work out legs well used to the last month or so not so much but ya working out calves is my fav leg muscle to work out. Not a fan of hamstrings and absolutely HATE working out the quads.
Hanzy, when i worked in the gym i was always amazed at just how many people totally neglect legs that said... i think legs have so much to do with genetics.. guys with bigger legs can make them even bigger easily, guys with tooth pick legs have a very very hard time growing them. if you want to grow your calves you need to really really put load on them the calve is a super resilient muscle. if you think about the demands we put on calves already in everyday life.. they are a very hard and strong muscle. if you want them to grow you need to really load them hard. Super heavy calve raises etc...
Thanks LOK. Yeah you notice all these athletes with their Mr.Universe physiques who have the calves of like 10 year old girls. It's the most neglected part of the body in the gym. Actually very few people even train legs to the fullest. The two main exercises always have been biceps and chest.
Calves really need to be blasted. If you have stubborn calves, I find that volume training ups the circulation, and that can, in turn, increase the size and strength of your calves. I like doing high-rep standing one-legged calf raises with a 50lb plate. Just build the number of reps daily and weekly. It's one of the easiest exercises to do because you can do them at home on a flight of stairs. Maybe don't start out with a 50lb plate although most people should be able to manage it. Start off with a 25lb plate and work up to doing 50 reps per side. Then start to add weight. If you have access to a universal gym, trying doing pyramiding: Just as an example, here's a way to blast them: -25 reps with maybe 100lbs -20 reps with 125lbs -15 reps with 150lbs -15 reps with 175lbs -12 reps with 200lbs -12 reps with 225lbs. Adjust the poundages according to your strength levels, Hanzy. If those pictures are really you, you look like a short, powerful guy. You might be able to handle twice as much as I've listed. I would do a minimum of 12-15 reps. I would do high reps daily if they really are a problem bodypart for you. High reps but medium weight. Do something you feel you could do everyday.
I'm about 230ish. Still a ways to go. Although my cardio has improved significantly. Can run miles on the roads.
Great sport. Have you noticed or seen any improvements in terms of size and muscular definition in your thighs, calves?