I don't believe in overthinking a workout plan. I keep things simple, focus on strict form, and change it up when I need to. So, when I sat down to write this brief on calf training, I decided to simply write about the first thing that came to mind:

Johnny freaking Drama.



Although Entourage fans love listening to Johnny complain about his small calves, blaming genetics and contemplating calf implants, the truth is he's not alone. Calves are notoriously tough for anyone to really sculpt and develop. They're stubborn, and that's why they've become one of my favorites.

If your calf workout consists of a couple of rushed sets of 10 reps on the way to the locker room, listen up. A more strategic approach will have you hating life and staggering to work—in a good way.

Standing Barbell Calf Raise

Better Form = Better Calves

Unlike some guys, I don't get hung up on hitting the gastrocs and soleus muscles of my calves with equal volume and force—although I don't avoid it, either. For me, it's most important to really stretch the calf muscle on the negative, and really squeeze the top of the movement. By controlling that motion all the way through, I've seen great results in myself and others.

If you're looking for a revolutionary workout, this isn't it. My approach to calf work is a pretty straightforward mixture of form and failure:

  1. Use a full range of motion for each rep, and make the reps slow and controlled. Don't bounce on, say, the calf raise machine. You know who you are!
  2. Go as heavy as possible, while observing Rule No. 1.
  3. Fail on every set when working stubborn muscles groups.

The Calf-Razing Workout

Alternate the below workouts for the next four weeks or so, doing each once a week, so you're training calves twice a week total. I usually try to train calves on a randomly chosen day as long as it's not my main leg day, and as long as the day I choose doesn't jeopardize that leg day with calf soreness. Whatever the day, I usually train calves after cardio or abs.

Select a weight where you fail near the top end of the prescribed rep range. If you can crank 20 reps on these moves, for example, you went too light.

By the way, these single-leg leg-press calf raises, which became drop sets to burnout using legs? Those should make it hard to walk. You're welcome.



Workout A
1
Standing barbell calf raise
7 sets, 12-15 reps
+ 2 more exercises

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What comes with BodyFit?

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  • Don't risk doing a workout improperly! Avoid injury and keep your form in check with in-depth instructional videos.

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  • View our enormous library of workout photos and see exactly how each exercise should be done before you give it a shot.

  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Quickly read through our step-by-step directions to ensure you're doing each workout correctly the first time, every time.

Workout B
1
Weighted donkey calf raise
Perform on machine
7 sets, 12-15 reps
+ 2 more exercises

BodyFit

$6.99/month
  • 2,500+ expert-created single workouts
  • 3,500+ how-to exercise videos
  • Detailed workout instruction
  • Step-by-step workout tips
  • Training at gym or at home
  • Access to Workout Plans
  • Access to Bodyfit App
  • Store Discounts

What comes with BodyFit?

  • Instructional Videos
  • Don't risk doing a workout improperly! Avoid injury and keep your form in check with in-depth instructional videos.

  • How-to Images
  • View our enormous library of workout photos and see exactly how each exercise should be done before you give it a shot.

  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Quickly read through our step-by-step directions to ensure you're doing each workout correctly the first time, every time.

  • Do 8-10 reps per leg through a full range of motion. Then put both feet on the machine and crank out reps until the burn is too intense to continue. There's no need to alter the weight before putting both feet on the platform. Because you're adding your other leg, the load is considerably lighter.

[ Cellucor Legendary Legs ]

About the Author

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