A strong, toned and healthy leg is essential to build a solid base. But, many workouts for the legs concentrate on the upper limbs, using the hamstrings, quads, and glutes. If you are looking for strong legs that are attractive and increase your efficiency it is also important focus on your calves. They not only appear stunning and inspire envy however, strong muscles of the lower leg aid in ankle and knee stability, enhance mobility when running or walking and enhance overall movement. All you have just add basic exercises into your routine to get the most effective calves workout.
Calf Muscles
The calves are comprised of two muscles namely the gastrocnemius and soleus. With patience, time and perseverance you can increase the mass in these muscles to create strong, well-defined calves. Combining sitting and standing exercises will guarantee you get the full workout of both of these muscles.
Gastrocnemius
The gastrocnemius is a double-headed muscle that is located just under your knee. It’s the most prominent calf muscle and is responsible for knee flexion as well as plantarflexion.
Soleus
Although the soleus muscle is more pronounced due to its position beneath the gastrocnemius muscle, it’s also less apparent. It is located on the fibula and tibia and extends to the heel to produce plantarflexion.
Best Calf Workout
Follow closely Bodybuilding.com’s Preston Noble as he walks you through his day-to-day calves workout. A professional athlete who has a lot of concentration, Preston has calves that appear like they’ve been cut out of marble. Therefore, he’s a proof of adding this 15-minute workout to the final part of your routine training session can result in remarkable mass-building and shaping. While the range of movements to train the calves is a bit limited, this mix of exercises can alter the posture of your body in order to perform at all angles of the soleus and gastrocnemius.
Best Calf Exercises
1. Dolly Calf Seated Raise
There are many different ways for executing donkey calf raises. However this method utilizes a sled. This method is an excellent option for those who do not have a fitness partner as well as, you can simply modify the weight as you become stronger. It’s 30 reps at a time, but the foot position will change with each 10 reps you complete. For the first 10 reps, you’ll keep the feet in a straight position, the following are with your feet pointed in, and the last set you’ll be pointing your toes outward. By doing this, you’ll give your gastrocnemius muscles a thorough workout.
Steps
- Place your feet in the middle of the footplates. Toes are toward the front.
- Begin by lowering your heels and your calves stretched out. However, don’t lock your knees.
- Then, push the ball of your feet till your calves have completely contracted reaching the maximum of your range of motion.
- Return, under control, until you are in the fully stretched position and repeat the stretch for ten repetitions.
- After that, shift your foot position so that your toes are facing inwards. repeat ten repetitions.
- And then, switch your foot’s position in a way that your toes are pointed towards the outside, and repeat your 10 repetitions.
- You should rest for 60 seconds prior to you complete your second set.
2. Seated Calf Raise
Seated calves raises are similar to the sled donkey raises however, it shifts the focus to the muscle of soleus. Also, you’ll change your foot position for 10 reps for your calves to be worked from all angles, and then develop them throughout.
Steps
- Place your pads over your knees. Keep your feet centered in the footplates, toes pointed towards the front.
- Begin with your heels lowered and your calves stretched out.
- You can push through the soles of your feet to ensure your calves are completely contracted at the highest point the range movement. Concentrate on your calves and not your thighs, to accomplish the move.
- Let your body down in a controlled manner to ensure your heels are below your footplate. Then repeat 10 times.
- Change your foot position so that your toes face inwards. perform another 10 reps.
- Then, shift your foot’s position with your toes facing towards the outside, and repeat your 10 repetitions.
- You should rest for 60 seconds prior to finishing your second set.
3. Calf Press on Leg Machine
The Leg press is a safe and safe method of loading the weight as there are safety traps that will catch you if you fail. Remember that even though you’re looking for straight legs, you shouldn’t lock your knees. Also, make sure your seat is set so that you are able to achieve the maximum range of flexion throughout the ankle. The calf exercise assists in strengthening the stability of the ankle and also increases the mass of the calves.
Steps
- Make sure you are in the leg press and place your feet on the lower edge of the plate facing straight.
- Then push out until your legs are fully extended Then continue pushing upwards using your feet’s balls until you feel the full contraction of your muscles in your calf.
- Let your feet go, and bring your weight back to the calves until they are completely stretched. Keep your legs straight but not locked. Repeat 10 times for 10 reps.
- After that, shift your foot’s position, so your toes face inwards. repeat ten repetitions.
- And then, switch your foot’s position in a way that your toes are pointed towards the outside, and repeat your 10 repetitions.
- You should rest for 60 seconds prior to finishing your second set.
4. Standing Calf Press
The final exercise for the calf is standing pressing the calf. This workout is simple to do at any time and is great for those who there’s no access an exercise facility. All you require is something you can sit on something — it could be the exercise area, a weight plate or even a piece of wood. Additionally, you’ll require two dumbbells two to each of your hands. This exercise will not only increase your calves strength, but it can improve ankle stability and help your other lower muscles that stabilize your body.
Steps
- Keep your heels hanging off of the side of the platform. Your weight should rest on your feet’s soles. Keep your toes straight throughout the 30 repetitions.
- Keep your dumbbells on either hand at your side.
- Lower your heels until they are below the top of your platform.
- Up the speed, putting your calf muscles to the tiptoe position.
- Do 30 reps each after which you will take a break for 60 seconds prior to finishing the second set.
FAQs on Calf Workouts
What is the most effective exercises for calves?
The most effective calf exercises include a variety of exercises for a complete exercise. Try sitting donkey calf raises for seated donkeys, sitting calf raises as well as calf presses using leg machines and standing press calf muscles. Make sure to change how your legs are positioned so that you’re working all the sections of the calves.
How can I increase the size of my calves?
The best method of bulking in your calves to do routine exercises that concentrate on the region. It’s also necessary to push yourself to increase the amount of resistance you exert as you become stronger. If you don’t do this, you’ll end with a plateau and the growing process will slow down or stop altogether.
Are you able to develop your muscle groups in your calf?
It is possible to build the muscles in your calf, however you’ll need to incorporate workouts which specifically target this area. It is also necessary to do these exercises consistently and regularly for results.
Can you daily train calves?
You can work your calves throughout the day but you’ll have be aware of your body’s reaction to any overtraining. Since the calves are more difficult to work on and have a lot of muscles that are slower to move, they will benefit from 3 to 4 sets of training per day which is the way you’ll achieve the most results. Remember, however, that if you must rest, you should do it. In the event that you do not, you may cause injury that you didn’t intend to and cause you to fall further from your fitness objectives.