What's Your Weights w/o Routine for Calves?

KatrinaWilke

squats and deadlifts

^^This!!!

Rambo529

pro-tip: calf size is primarily genetic and won't change much even with regimented training. and calf work doesn't burn many calories. training calves is fine if you choose but the bulk of your leg work should be for the upper legs. squats, deadlifts, stiff legged deadlifts, and the like. 85% of the time on the big lifts, 10% of the time on the little lifts like calf work, and 5% of the time admiring how bad *kitten* you look in the gym mirror. selfie taking optional.

^^Love this! :drinker:

eustacescrubb

Walking or running on your toes is the best thing to do for calves. Much better than anything in the weight room.

smiller212003

I superset standing calf raises after squats at smith machine (135 lbs). Then i superset calves on leg press. Other than that cardio days hills and jump rope do wonders!

AllanMisner

My leg workout includes squats, deadlifts and leg press, so I don't need much more work for my calves. I do legs twice a week and add calves on one of them (six sets of calf press on the leg press and six sets of seated calf raises). When I work calves, I go ultra heavy. Beyond that, I walk, a lot.

mdn15

Years of wearing heels and now running

DavPul

Question: Since this topic deals with calves. Do you HAVE to work out calves? I mean, I'm doing all other compound lifts but my calves, thanks to my Dad, already look nice and strong. If I forgo isolated calve exercises, will that be the end of the world?

would definitely not be the end of the world

KatrinaWilke

Genetics!!!! I have awesome calves...........and never do isolation calve exercises. :bigsmile:

This! My dad has HUGE calf muscles and I inherited them!

lhourin

Jump rope and run stairs. Those work your calves *really* well, and are good exercise to boot.

lorigem

Question: Since this topic deals with calves. Do you HAVE to work out calves? I mean, I'm doing all other compound lifts but my calves, thanks to my Dad, already look nice and strong. If I forgo isolated calve exercises, will that be the end of the world?

It is probably not necessary but I like to work them through the full range of motion that they dont really get with most of the big compounds. From the stretch (toes towards the shin) all the way to the contraction (tip toes).

A lot of people have trouble squatting really low because of lack of mobility in the ankle/calves. I do a lot of hiking and mountain biking and I want all of my leg to be as strong and flexible as possible. My calves have only grown about 1/2" in 2 years so it really isnt going to add a lot of size but the amount of weight has gone up significantly.

This would be a good reason for me to consider it. I also want to have legs as strong as possible to be able to squat heavier. I just don't want them (my calves) to get any bigger!

Unknown

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MinMin97

Genetics!!!! I have awesome calves...........and never do isolation calve exercises. :bigsmile:

This! My dad has HUGE calf muscles and I inherited them!

Calf envy to all of you!

MinMin97

Question: Since this topic deals with calves. Do you HAVE to work out calves? I mean, I'm doing all other compound lifts but my calves, thanks to my Dad, already look nice and strong. If I forgo isolated calve exercises, will that be the end of the world?

It is probably not necessary but I like to work them through the full range of motion that they dont really get with most of the big compounds. From the stretch (toes towards the shin) all the way to the contraction (tip toes).

A lot of people have trouble squatting really low because of lack of mobility in the ankle/calves. I do a lot of hiking and mountain biking and I want all of my leg to be as strong and flexible as possible. My calves have only grown about 1/2" in 2 years so it really isnt going to add a lot of size but the amount of weight has gone up significantly.

I am sure they look different, too...like stronger, and balanced. Like the idea of maintaining full range of motion while building strength!

Awesome answers, everybody, I am reading them all.