On calves- to add to the great advice of our moderator. A couple of years back I also suffered from "chicken-like" calves and had quite a bit of success with these methods.
(1) Vary cadence - Cadence being the speed at which the particular calves exercise is performed. I especially saw great results with 1 second (postive movement- pressing up), 2 second hold (at the top), and 4 seconds (negative movement- lowering down). By increasing the time it takes to perform the set you will consequently increase the volume of work you subject the calves to thus stimulating muscle growth.
(2) Barbell Calve Raises - Try putting a loaded olympic barbell on your back. Put a 35 lb. plate in the floor and place the balls of your feet on the plate about 4 to 5 inches apart from each other. With your knees locked, complete full reps by pressing up onto the plate and returning to the ground making sure you full weight returns to the ground, with your heels touching the floor and resting for one short count. Two things happen here: 1. You force the calves to begin each rep from a stretched position which increases the range of motion (ROM). 2. By returning your full weight to the ground, on your heels, after each rep, the calves will be forced to contract from an elongated, but relaxed position. Similiar to the training effects on the quadraceps in a box squat. This will initiate more fast twitch muscle fibers and give you a different training stimulus for added variation and muscle growth.
[ October 26, 2002: Message edited by: Master Trainer ]
[ October 26, 2002: Message edited by: Master Trainer ]
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