Having strong calf muscles are what gives our lower legs that often sought after well-defined look, but having strong calf muscles also aids running and walking by allowing for ankle extension. While many of us find working the quadriceps (front thigh) and hamstrings (back thigh) a natural part of our workout routine, do not underestimate the power of working this group of muscles. Two of the major muscles that make up the calves include the gastronemius (the outer calf) and the soleus (the inner calf). By doing a variety of calf strength training exercises and stretches you are ensuring that you are targeting all muscles involved. Ankle Flexion Calf Raises While standing calf raises are great for targeting the gastronemius, the seated calf raise (below) is great for targeting the soleus. De-calf-inator Calf Rocking with Dumbbells Single Leg Calf Raises on a Step Calf Stretches For more calf exercises and stretches, click here to view Coach Nicole’s Calf and Ankle Stretching Routine. Do you strength train and/or stretch your calf muscles? If so, what is your all-time favorite exercise?
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Plus my stretching!! Report
So say goodbye cankles. Bring the Plié Squat into your cardio-sculpting routine, and you’ll be set to premiere those new heels in no time! Report
Hysterical grammar correction post.You go girl! Report
My fav is a a standing V-series. With either a barbell or dumbells start with your toes pointed inward toward each other (an upside down V shape) Do 12-15 calf raises in this position, turn the feet so they are parallel to each other and immediately do another 12-15, then turn your feet so the heels are together and toes are pointed out - forming a V shape and immediately do another 12-15 raises. Rest approximately 30-45 seconds and do it again.
This series is excellent for fatiguing the muscles and hitting all parts of the calf! Report