What is your Credo on Calf Training?

Shoni · #1 08-30-2009, 11:43 AM

Over the space of last year, before i decided too induct myself into a training regime encompassing most bodyparts, i was prior overly concerned with the shape of my calfs; or too be more precise, the lack of shape.

During this time, my financial status was poor so i had too improvise a method of calf raises or some form of excercise to try and add a little shape to them. So, i took hold of my student bag and filled it with books, and anything else of considerable weight. I pulled out a corner unit standing approx 12 inches from the ground inside my room, and strapped the bag to my back and began standing calf raises.
Over time i noticed an slight increase in shape and mass. I wasn't blessed with good calf genetics, so i knew i had to really work at it in order to see the results.
Now i can afford better equipment, i include single leg calf raises on the machine with greater resistance.

Trouble is, because iv'e strengthened the calf's from the previous year, by development has not become inhibited in any way, but i find when training calfs, it is difficult to assume whether the pain is healthy or just tear. Today they feel a little delicate and tense, (Walking Funny) whereas if i worked on my biceps for instance, the pain would feel dull but not delicate in any way. Iv'e done some reading and from what i can see calf's are the hardest muscle of which to stimulate growth, and they can become very painful.

Does any one else find these muscles very sensitive after training, or is it just me? And is this pain a pain for growth?
I am failing at the moment to establish a good mental connection with calf growth. Please help.

Ratcat · #2 08-30-2009, 10:18 PM

Calves hurt cobber. They hurt when you train 'em. They hurt when you wake up in the morning and they hurt during the day. My leg day is saturday so as I can hobble around on sunday.

HardCory · #3 08-31-2009, 12:35 AM

There's a lot of nerves in the calves, think about how much it hurts to get kicked in the shin. My motto is if you want nice calves you have to have an extremely high tolerance for pain.

Spectre · #4 08-31-2009, 03:58 AM

Interesting. Normally I never feel my calves after I train them, or think I train them. Apparently I'm not going hard enough. Gotta kick it up a notch.

Could the difference in pain be a difference in muscle fibers? Aren't calves fast-twitch versus slow-twitch?

Shoni · #5 08-31-2009, 10:43 AM

Thanks guy's. Pain isn't an obstacle for me, because im really, absolutely 110% determined to force them into growth. I was just unsure wheter the pain was detrimental or not.

I am happy when they hurt, because i know the agonies of leg training must reward.

Algavinn · #6 08-31-2009, 05:29 PM

Calves are probably the single most painful thing I have ever trained, forget fascia stretching after occluded back to back supersets for any other muscle group. When I work calves hard I have to fall over after I finish a set (which is why I only really train them hardcore at home, grabbing as much weight as I can hold and doing as many reps as I can actually do). This hurts like hell, and certainly does so after the workout as well, and aye it's different than the typical dull pain PWO.

I'd keep it up, just make sure you get ample rest time and that the pain isnt becoming constant, or has decreased mobility/function.