Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Training & Nutrition
Reload this Page >

Developing outer calf head?

Search
Notices
Training & Nutrition Learn how to develop a training schedule that's good for you. What should you eat and drink on your ride? Learn everything you need to know about training and nutrition here.

Developing outer calf head?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-18-15 | 09:28 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 172
Likes: 0

Bikes: Trek 7000, Specialized Allez & Novara Randonee

Developing outer calf head?

Cycling has made the inner calves big and given my legs some cool looking veins, but the outer calf heads are puny. What are some good exercises to make my calves more symmetrical? Doing calf raises with free weights and toes pointed in might work, but I'm not sure about optimal weight, number of repetitions and frequency.
Kertrek is offline  
Reply
Old 08-18-15 | 10:19 PM
  #2  
Machka's Avatar
In Real Life
Titanium Club Membership
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 52,159
Likes: 773
From: Down under down under

Bikes: Lots

Walk up steep hills.
Walk on sandy beaches or through deep snow.
Machka is offline  
Reply
Old 08-19-15 | 08:56 AM
  #3  
Carbonfiberboy's Avatar
just another gosling
Titanium Club Membership
15 Anniversary
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 20,555
Likes: 2,667
From: Everett, WA

Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004

A good information source here:
Gastrocnemius
Calf Exercise Analyses
Periodization for Weight Training
Carbonfiberboy is offline  
Reply
Old 08-20-15 | 06:11 AM
  #4  
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Originally Posted by Machka
Walk up steep hills.
Walk on sandy beaches or through deep snow.
Yes, it's a simple as walking. I used to do standing calf raises with 800 lbs on the bar, that will definitely do the trick. Now in my 50's it's pretty clear that it wasn't the best thing for my spine. The problem with weights and calf muscles is you either have to use insane weight or do 100's of reps in order to get any results. They are the densest muscles in the body.
sprince is offline  
Reply
Old 08-20-15 | 07:31 AM
  #5  
Machka's Avatar
In Real Life
Titanium Club Membership
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 52,159
Likes: 773
From: Down under down under

Bikes: Lots

Originally Posted by sprince
yes, it's a simple as walking.


I used to be a bodybuilder way back when, and could not develop my calves. It was a real struggle getting any sort of definition at all.

Then a few years later, I was off work for a couple months one winter, and wasn't cycling through the winter at that time, so I put on heavy boots and walked, and walked, and walked (mainly dropping off job applications, but sometimes walking just to get out of the house). It was a very snowy winter which added to the challenge of the walking. Come spring ... I had great calf muscles!! I could hardly believe it ... all that time in the gym and all I needed to do was walk.

For the past couple years, we have been living in a very hilly part of the world. All my walks include hills ... can't be helped! And again ... I'm pleasantly surprised by the calf muscle development.

I am guessing about walking in the sand ... we do some of that, but it is hard to tell whether it has contributed much. I'm just guessing it might have the same sort of effect as walking in snow.
Machka is offline  
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Joe360
Road Cycling
39
06-27-12 11:18 PM
djnzlab1
Fifty Plus (50+)
24
01-09-12 08:53 AM
BCorn
Texas
6
09-15-11 12:55 AM
hobkirk
Training & Nutrition
20
08-31-10 06:59 PM
Seattle Forrest
Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)
19
04-25-10 03:50 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.