I have small calves

[Riverdragon]

The other thread about sore calves prompted me to post this thread. Simply put, I have small calves. They have nice definition, but the size just isn't there. I have been using heavy weights when I work them because I figured more weight would make them grow some. If anyone could offer any advice it would be much appreciated!

 

[animalmachine]

i suffer the same malady. i've found heavy weights, low reps have given me the best growth, yet minimal to other muscle groups.

 

[nikegurl]

me too. one thing i'm finally getting used to is that training calves really hurts (in a way totally different than other muscle). when the pain starts and i think i can't stand it - i keep going and have found i can stand it and they're finally starting to grow.

i wouldn't say they're small...they have to grow a bit more before i call them small. but they were invisible and i'm starting to see progress.

 

[tjwes]

Use a combination of high and low reps, alternating between the two weekly.

Also,make sure to stretch the calf during each rep, and to get a good contraction at the top of the exercise.

Too many people load up the machine with a ton of weight, thinking the heavy weight will increase calf size,then they have a tendency to do half-reps, or bobbing type reps ,never acheiving a good stretch, or peak contraction.

A lot of people also tack on calf training at the end of a workout, and do 3-4 half-hearted sets,kind of like an afterthought .

Train the calves heavy and hard for 10 sets, with a complete range of motion once a week.

 

[camarosuper6]

I like to do calves three times a week. First and second workout heavy 4-10 rep range.

The third workout I do to failure 10-20 rep range.

 

[LAM]

Use a combination of high and low reps, alternating between the two weekly.

Also,make sure to stretch the calf during each rep, and to get a good contraction at the top of the exercise.

Too many people load up the machine with a ton of weight, thinking the heavy weight will increase calf size,then they have a tendency to do half-reps, or bobbing type reps ,never acheiving a good stretch, or peak contraction.

A lot of people also tack on calf training at the end of a workout, and do 3-4 half-hearted sets,kind of like an afterthought .

Train the calves heavy and hard for 10 sets, with a complete range of motion once a week.

I agree...

I go heavy one day and high-reps the next. I try to hit my calves on every 3rd day...