If you were to ask MOST lifters what body part they feel is their “weakest” – you’ll find that often the answer is their calves. Even Arnold had a weak calf game in the beginning of his career – but fear not! Like Arnold – you can turn your calves into cows with this ultimate calf workout! Let’s get into this…
Let’s face facts…
Leg day isn’t a favorite for many.
In fact, it’s common knowledge that a lot of people skip leg day more often than not…
However, if those people only understood how much BIGGER their upper body could be if they worked their legs as religiously – they’d NEVER skip another leg day again.
Why?
The lower body holds our biggest muscle groups…
And by putting those muscles through brutal workouts – your body will release more testosterone and growth hormone to trigger protein synthesis.
Those hormones don’t just stay in the legs – they travel through the entire body…
So, if you want to get big – make sure your entire body is working synergistically to make that happen.
That being said, there’s an even darker secret I want to talk about…
The fact that even among those of us that DO work legs – often skip out on calves.
I’m guilty of that…
But that’s just because my calves are naturally big – and I’m not trying to win a bodybuilding show.
I’m going for the “I can raid your village and carry my boat while doing it” aesthetic…
But that doesn’t mean I don’t understand the importance of working this muscle – as at one time – I worked my calves religiously.
The reason that some people don’t like working their calves is because they don’t see results…
They get the pump – they do the work – but they don’t grow.
However, what if I could all-but-guarantee you’d see growth?
Would you do it?
Let’s talk turkey… or calves.
The Unsung Heroes
Let’s talk calf cred, shall we?
These bad boys are more than just meaty cushions for your shin bones…
They are essential for everyday activities – such as your morning walk form the bed to the bathroom.
You’re calves are incredibly important to overall movement…
Whether you’re sprinting to catch the bus or strutting into the gym on chest day – it’s your calves that are doing a LOT of the work.
It’s funny, when it comes to calves – it seems to be more about “fashion than function”…
Meaning it’s more about the aesthetic than what it actually does.
I mean, don’t get me wrong…
Well-developed calves can make your legs look like they were chiseled by the Greek gods themselves – but it should be more about developing overall strength and function.
Right?
The Quest for Calves of Steel
Ahhhh, the Riddle of Steel…
Who remembers that from Conan the Barbarian (is it obvious that movie had an impact on me?)?
In the movie, the baddy (one of the best villains of all TIME in my honest opinion) Thulsa Doom, tells Conan,
“Steel isn’t strong, boy, flesh is stronger!”
He then beacons a young girl to jump off the rocks – and she does and crashes through the floor to her death, and he continues,
““That is strength, boy! That is power! What is steel compared to the hand that wields it?”
And he was right.
What is steel compared to the WILL of the man that holds the sword?
You have to have that mindset if you’re going to transform chicken legs into mighty tree trunks.
So, if you’re ready to forge calves of steel…
Get ready.
The Ultimate Calf Workout
Now, it’s important to note…
Don’t start adding this workout in unless you’re having a problem with your calves.
In the beginning of his career – Arnold would pose in water up to knees to hide his calves – so, if your calves need help…
You’re in good company.
However, this workout is for people who want to grow their calves – so if you’re fine with the size of yours – keep scrolling.
Let’s get into this…
Calf Raises with a Twist: Start with the classic calf raise. But we’re not stopping there, champ.
Add a twist – literally. As you raise those heels, rotate them outward and inward alternately.
This will hit every angle of those stubborn calf muscles.
Jump Rope Supremacy: A little known calf-growing secret? Grab a jump rope and just go, man.
Jumping rope isn’t just for kids…
It’s a killer calf workout – especially if you push yourself to jump higher and faster with each rep.
Stairway to Calf Heaven: You know those stair climbers at the gym? They’re not just for girls to do cardio on…
Take you calves to the next level by taking those steps two at a time and emphasize the calf squeeze at the top.
Farmer’s Walk Calf Carnage: You ever notice country boys always seem to have meaty calves? There’s a reason for this…
Grab some heavy dumbbells and walk for as long as you can…
With every step – make sure you’re pushing through your toes – ensuring you’re engaging those calf muscles like never before.
Plyometric Power: Finish off with some plyometric madness.
Box jumps and explosive squat jumps will make your calves beg for mercy…
But you’re not here for mercy – you’re here to turn your calves into cows.
Run through these exercises 2 times in a circuit – either till failure or maybe even a modified Tabata sequence where you do the exercise for a minute and rest for 30 seconds rather than the standard 20 seconds on and 10 seconds rest.
Guaranteed to give your calves a pump to stimulate growth…
You Can Turn Your Calves Into Cows
Well, there you have it…
The path to calf glory is paved with sweat, determination and a dash of humiliation.
Don’t let your calves languish in the shadows any longer…
Elevate them to legendary status with this ultimate calf-building workout.
Remember, your calves are the unsung heroes of your lower body – and it’s time they got the recognition they deserve…
Work hard enough and they’ll be mooing in no time.
“If you think about it – leg muscles have evolved to be weight-bearing. They carry us around, enable us to walk, run and jump. Try doing those things on your hands.” – Ray Buckton
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