what is the most effective overall calf exercise. Currently I am using a hammer machine where you sit and perform the exercise. Problem is you are sitting on the bar your raising and it feels uneven in resistance. Thanks for any advice.

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and don't forget to change angles of the feet (toes in for 13 reps, toes straight for 13 reps, toes out for 13 reps) to isolate different muscles within the calves!Originally posted by neanderthal
personally, i think standing calf raises r the most effective. be sure to use full ROM.
Originally posted by PulsatingArt
and don't forget to change angles of the feet (toes in for 13 reps, toes straight for 13 reps, toes out for 13 reps) to isolate different muscles within the calves!
Changing angles is an option but it in no way "isolates" different muscles in the calves. No matter which angle you choose your working the "entire" calf.
I just pulled the following information and photos from ExRx.com:
"In the seated calf raise (knees flexed to 90º), the gastrocs(Medial Head & Lateral Head) are virtually inactive while the load is borne almost entirely by the soleus."
"(MRI) research suggests "toes in" activate both heads and "toes out" activate the medial head to a HIGHER DEGREE but not isolated. "
See diagram for
1: Medial Head
2. Lateral Head
Originally posted by PulsatingArt
a good way to measure your calf workout besides soreness is to see if you busted the blood vessels within your shoulders just outside of the neck, you might see streaks of purpleish red marks on the heavy weights!
Originally posted by Scotty the Body
lol@fire, I get broken blood vessels in the shoulders just looking at the standing calf raise machine.
I agree with FF, just do standing and seated calf raise, don't worry about your feet.
Originally posted by PulsatingArt
maybe it affects people differently, but i used to always do standing and seated only, and i read in an old issue of flex to try the angles and i've really noticed a difference not only in soreness but also in tightness within the entire calf afterwards, in addition to being able to pack on more weight.
That explains alot too...........Originally posted by kuso
I cant do calves for 6 months![]()
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Originally posted by peetrips
That explains alot too...........![]()
Why not??Originally posted by kuso
I cant do calves for 6 months![]()
![]()
Originally posted by Scotty the Body
Because he's still workin on the sheep![]()
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Originally posted by peetrips
Why not??
Hell yeah a damaged thingie is the worstOriginally posted by kuso
but a damaged (thingie)
Definate care factor....Originally posted by kuso
Corndog doesn`t like it so much though![]()
Aah, the broken blood vessel system? Hahaha, I notice if I work heavy, I get those on my shoulders, usually quite visable within a half hour, the darker the color, the sorer I'll be the next day! I should just have them tattooed in black ink so I won't see the internal bleeding, and the soreness will be a suprise, lol.Originally posted by firestorm
No your correct Pulsating, nobody disagrees that changing angles aren't benificial. I also change angles. Doing calf raises with feet straight you get a good overall calf workout and probably best for beginners.
changing the angle (heels in, you tend to at the top distribute the weight moreso over the outter pad of your foot putting more stress on the outter calf area. Heels out you do the opposite, distributing the weight over the inner pad(big toe) putting more stress on the inner part of the calf.
I was just questioning your other theory was all. Just disregard, no big deal.
Originally posted by PulsatingArt
Aah, the broken blood vessel system? Hahaha, I notice if I work heavy, I get those on my shoulders, usually quite visable within a half hour, the darker the color, the sorer I'll be the next day! I should just have them tattooed in black ink so I won't see the internal bleeding, and the soreness will be a suprise, lol.
And yes, the stick figure cartoon is freaking hilarious!!!!