How To Strengthen Calf Muscles Video

The calf muscles at the back of the lower leg are important to target when strength and weight training for speed and agility. Learn how to do calf muscle exercises in this strength training video.

Take Action

Use platform or stairwell
Stretch calves before flexing muscles
Follow full range of motion to increase intensity
Try using one leg for more resistance
Feet together or wide apart

About this Author

Tom Clifford has a degree in physical education, fitness and health from Eastern Michigan University, where he ran track and cross-country. Tom has worked as a personal trainer for two years. He also has a separate business where he coaches runners and triathletes for upcoming events. He currently works at Gold's Gym in Wilmington, North Carolina.

TOM CLIFFORD: Now I'm going to demonstrate how to strengthen the calf muscles. Best way to strengthen your calf muscles is to find a platform such as a stairwell or an elevated platform where you can step up on to something. Start out with both feet, as a beginner, start out with both feet, stretch the calves down as far as you can. So you're going to get a good calf stretch before you start raise up on your toes, as high as you can, hold and contract the calf muscles using--lifting your whole body, down, stretch the calves again, heels pointed towards the ground, all the way up to flex the calves, alright? An advance way, you would wrap your--wrap one foot around the other leg, okay, using more of your body weight on to one leg instead of using both calves. Again, heel down to the ground, all the way up, focusing on contracting your calf muscle, holding at the top. You'll do the same with the other side, wrap your leg around it, stretch the calf muscle on the other side and lift all the way up where your entire body contracting your calf muscle. Now another way to hit a different part of your calf muscle is to--legs spread all the way wide and again, stretch the calves, contract, holding at the top. This works a little bit more of the outside of your calf muscles. So some things to remember, some points to remember is to stretch the calves all the way down with your heels to the ground and contract your calves by trying to get on your tip toes as high as you can possibly can. Those are different ways to strengthen your calf muscle.

How to Strengthen Calf Muscles Video

Take Action

About this Author

Member Comments