What is the ebst way to balance out my calves and arms?

[Joe2758]

Hey guys. I just realized my arms are 15" and my calves are 14"

. Last time I measured there was only a half inch difference. I train calves once a week and arms once a week. I don't k now if I should back off my arm training, or start doing calves twice a week, or both. Anyway, I want to fix this as soon as possible. Any tips on on calf training in general would be appreciated. I usually do 4 sets of standing calf raises in 6-8 rep range, 4 sets seated calf raises 10-15 rep range. 2 sets of toe raises for anterior leg, and 2 burn out sets with no weight. Anyway, I really want my calves to pass my arms in size. thanks

 

[Hartmann]

How much weight are you using for the standing raises?

 

[Joe2758]

190 pounds

 

[RedLantern]

Are you trying to win Mr. Olympia? Then try not to give a **** about the balance bewteen calves/ arms. Surely there is something more important you could be focusing on.

 

[hastur]

Originally Posted by RedLantern

Are you trying to win Mr. Olympia? Then try not to give a **** about the balance bewteen calves/ arms. Surely there is something more important you could be focusing on.

It's obviously important to him, since he posted the thread.

OP, look up "DC Calves" (DC standing for Dogcrapp) and you should find some good information on a different way to train them that might stimulate the kind of growth you're looking for. Also you should try hitting them twice a week instead of just once.

 

[Hartmann]

You are not using enough weight. Increase the reps as well, 12-15. Make sure to raise your heel as high off the ground as you can (think "ballet dancer&quot.

The seated calf raise is only moderately useful. The weightless "burnout" sets are completely useless. You can also try single leg standing raises.

If you want to build lots of calf/hamstring power, 150-200 meter sprints using just the forefoot will also work.

 

[Jsquxe]

I'll trade u some calf muscle if u take some calf and thigh fat also

 

[hendrix]

Originally Posted by Joe2758

Hey guys. I just realized my arms are 15" and my calves are 14"

. Last time I measured there was only a half inch difference. I train calves once a week and arms once a week. I don't k now if I should back off my arm training, or start doing calves twice a week, or both. Anyway, I want to fix this as soon as possible. Any tips on on calf training in general would be appreciated. I usually do 4 sets of standing calf raises in 6-8 rep range, 4 sets seated calf raises 10-15 rep range. 2 sets of toe raises for anterior leg, and 2 burn out sets with no weight. Anyway, I really want my calves to pass my arms in size. thanks

I heard that calves are one of the muscle groups in which there is far more type one muscle than type 2, therefore you need to train them in higher rep/lower weight stuff. Kinda makes sense when you see that cyclists generally have huge calves.

I'm really no expert, but i'd recommend doing some short, steep hill running or cycling.

 

[Joe2758]

thanks guys, i will look into all your suggestions...except the ugg boots and ed hardy t-shirts......

 

[celticgent]

Johnny Drama?

 

[J'aimelescravates]

HIIT or hop on a bike and crank up the resistance.

I am assuming your are talking about calves and forearms, right? You're calves will never get as big as your bi/tricep area.

Surely you are the only one who will notice any size or proportion discrepancy and, unless you are competing against Jay Cutler it doesn't matter. Just lift, eat, move and the rest will fall in to place. Seriously, you don't want to head down the body dismorphia road

 

[bwong337]

Originally Posted by J'aimelescravates

HIIT or hop on a bike and crank up the resistance. I am assuming your are talking about calves and forearms, right? You're calves will never get as big as your bi/tricep area.
Not true for me. My upper arms are tiny at 13.75in, while my calves are over 16in. It's a matter of genetics.

 

[J'aimelescravates]

Originally Posted by bwong337

False. My upper arms are tiny at 13.75in, while my calves are over 16in. It's a matter of genetics.

wow interesting proportions you have. I stand corrected and should modify my post to clarify that I was speaking in terms of weight training / body building.

curious: what are your chest, waist and thigh measurements?

 

[sbbbjm]

'f calves! i used to blast them all the time with every different workout in the world, and cycling, something that i actually loved doing, is what got them to be not as puny as they once were.

i really think a lot of it has to do with genetics. some people were just born with more muscle there than others, so there's less work to do. my cousins have the calves of an action figure, and they don't even work them out specifically or cycle.

that being said though, i'm older and care less and am grateful for the things i do have . . . like a luscious hair line, being 6ft tall, a chiseled jawline and cheek bones that people pay thousands for to get with fillers -- well maybe not the last 2, but you get my drift.

 

[bwong337]

Originally Posted by J'aimelescravates

wow interesting proportions you have. I stand corrected and should modify my post to clarify that I was speaking in terms of weight training / body building.

curious: what are your chest, waist and thigh measurements?

I've been on starting strength for about two months now:

Chest is ~39, waist is ~34 relaxed, 31 flexed, thigh is 24ish.
5'9 170lbs

My lift numbers are all screwed up.
my current max for 3x5:


Squat: 180
DL: 215
Bench: 100
Power Cleans: 100
OHP: 75
Pull ups: 1 if fresh.