Problems with seated calf raises: - JP Fitness Forums

McCarley · 05-24-2005, 01:17 AM

So the deal is this, I've been doing HGM and just finished the first 4 weeks, but I've been having some problems with the seated calf raises. I use a curl bar becuase my barbells don't have enough weight. The weight I've been using about 133lbs total.

1. If I elevate my feet as shown in the directions, I get a pain in my hip joint.

2. If I don't elevate my feet, I get a calf cramp around rep 10ish.

What do you suppose the deal is? It doesn't feel like too much weight, but that's the only thing I could figure.

BobTheKillerGoldfish · 05-24-2005, 04:23 AM

For seated calf that's a fairly ok wieght (depending on your size of course), but you should never feel a pain when performing an exercise.

The cramp you feel not raising your feet could well be just lactic acid biuld up. HOWEVER, the fact that you're feelign this pain is worrying. I'd rest for a week or so; try again and if the pain is still there, go straight to a physio.

McCarley · 05-24-2005, 01:00 PM

I just took 2 days off. Everything else i do is fine, it's just with the calf raises.

Anyone else wanta weigh in?

diamondpete · 05-24-2005, 09:55 PM

Mc

try substituting a similar exercise. Try using single leg standing calf raises. This should change the angle of your hip (sitting vs standing) and see how that feels.

peter

Jean-Paul · 05-24-2005, 11:04 PM

Quit wasting your time on them... How's that? Do you know how many calf raises I've done in the last 4 years?

DKing · 05-24-2005, 11:27 PM

Probably about as many as me?

Danny

Kevin T. · 05-24-2005, 11:32 PM

and me (well the past 1.5 years at least [img]tongue.gif[/img] )

McCarley · 05-25-2005, 02:14 PM

So... don't do 'em? I'm following the ol - Homegrown Muscle routine. Just started week 5. Do you recomend replacing them?

Southpaw · 05-25-2005, 02:42 PM

You don't need them. But you could standing calf raises instead.

Jean-Paul · 05-25-2005, 02:52 PM

Between genetics, mountain biking, and hiking, my calves are pretty well developed with nary-a-calf raise involved. I really honestly can't remember the last time I did them. Its been YEARS!

Just so you don't feel bad for asking though... I did recommend them on this very site, once upon a time!

(photos taken in 1996. Note the "Otomix" shoes and the shaved legs. Ah, the good ol' days)
[img]tongue.gif[/img]

von_Hayes · 05-25-2005, 03:40 PM

what if someone doesn't have your genetics Jp?

OldGuy · 05-25-2005, 03:45 PM

They are part of homegrown so I say do them.

The first phase is not a strength phase so I would cut back on the weight and make sure you were doing them right.

McCarley · 05-27-2005, 05:07 PM

Thanks for the input everyone.

McCarley · 05-27-2005, 05:10 PM

I tried them with little weight (30lbs dumbells) and did not get a cramp in my calf, but still got the pain in my hip joint. I think there might be something (physically) wrong with me.

bipennate · 05-27-2005, 11:40 PM

It's *possible* it's a flexibility issue...