Calves growing to cows...or staying as calves...

[Ibanez]

So I read Lee Haneys article this month in Flex, and I was surprisedto see that he trained calves every workout in his 3 day split. He also does abs as well, and I know that for abs that is common enough, but for calves... I was really surprised, as I thought at the very least, 48 hours rest before another assualt would have been ideal. Do calves differ in this aspect guys?

My calves never get sore post workout, even though I try and kill them, they seem to bounce back within hours..... This is what led me to think Lee's routine could be pretty good... His calves were nothing to sneeze at after all :O

Thoughts????

[wedgylx]

i think the best change I've made in my calve routine was to ELIMINATE SEATED CALF EXERCISES. They stimulate the soleus, but if your knees are at a 90 degree angle your gastronemius is too "loose" to really be worked. I've begun using all straight legged exercises and I've reaped the benefits.

Also, your calves are highly oxidative muscle fibers. This means that, in theory, they can benefit from higher volume work. I've begun doing half high reps (20-25reps) and half medium reps (10-12 reps) in my calf workouts.

Also I've just recently begun hitting calves 2X a week. I'll let you know what I think in a few more weeks

[Ibanez]

Luckily at my gym we have a standing calf machine, so I do isolate the calves. That seems to work well, I have started doing calves a little more regularly now, should help...

[Jam]

That was good advice. I've always had trouble with calves but they were moo'n with my last work out when i only did straight legged excersises for them. I started to do them like twice a week and can really tell the difference.

[dinoiii]

That was a good explaination Wedg.

I would encourage a switch up, however, if your intentions are to hit calves multiple times each week - alternating light and heavy.

Week 1:
1st workout - light, higher rep
2nd workout - heavy, lower rep
3rd workout - light, higher rep

Week 2:
1st workout - heavy, lower rep
2nd workout - light, higher rep
3rd workout - heavy, lower rep

Week 3:
A repeat of week 1....etc...



It is due to the muscle fiber composition that dictates the thought process here, but I think you are losing a lot if you do not train heavy, with the simple mind of how often your calves receive "light" stimulation (i.e. - every day as you essentially walk around).

Personally, my own growth in this regard has improved by leaps and bounds since abandoning "light" training and training only once a week. The aforementioned program would be what I would suggest based on theory and incorporation of what I think you intend to try (i.e. - 3 days).