I've always done sets of one-legged standing Calf raises on a platform in high reps for Calves. My new gym doesn't really have a platform to do these on, but they do have a seated Calf extension machine.

I've been doing that instead and I feel it a lot more in the arches of my feet compared to directly in my calves with standing Calf extensions.

I was thinking of maybe doing these with low reps (8-14) and then doing standing Calf raises on the stairs when I get home in high reps (25-40). I would do this, but that means that I'd have to wait longer to get my Protein shake in, which could be bad for the rest of my leg day that I would have just done.

What do you guys think about both of these exercises and what do you think I should do?
Thanks

It's generally accepted that you should do higher reps on seated calf raises as they target the soleus, which respond better to higher reps. You can always try lower reps too though. See which you respond better to.

I do recommend that you do a standing calf and seated calf movement though, even if you have to split up the workout because of equipment availability.

Take your protein shake when you get home or finish your normal workout and then do your standing calves raises. I really don't think it will make that much of a difference.

Seated and standing are totally different exercises working totally different muscles.

I REALLY think you need to start posting in the beginners, but seeing as you are here..

When you finish your workout with whatever you do in the gym, have your protein and carb drink ASAP. never falter on this.

Then when you ge home, do some more calf work - whatever you want.. and have some real food then. it isnt worth waiting to take your PWO drink just for a couple of sets of Bodyweight calves.



Seated calf raises work a muscle under the gastroc (calf) called the soleus, it adds to shape and thickness of lower leg.
It is slow twitch dominant so likes high rep work..
The gastroc IME also likes high rep work.. but it will respond to low reps too in some individuals.

I shouldnt have to explain this in this forum, sorry if you think that makes me a dick but.. c'est le vive.

JJ

Does a bend in the waist or the knees make the two exercises work different parts of the Calf? The machine at my gym has the waist bent because you're sitting, but your legs are kept straight.

There's no pad for the Quads to hold the knees bent on the machine, but I'll try and adjust my position somehow.

I'm not sure it's that big a deal he posted here instead of beginners.

My gym also only has a seated, I make a standing out of the smith machine. You can use a plate, board, or I like to use a flat bench and hang my toes on the T part of the frame. As everyone else said, include standing and seated, and bodyweight most likely won't be sufficient for standing calve raises. Try training calves every other day, most people who have a hard time gaining calve size benefit from this.

While we are on the Calf topic , do squats and deadlifts workout your calf's?

As well , if I put on lets say 40lbs , will my calf's naturally get bigger just from the added weight it is now carrying?

Standing hits the gastroc which is generally hit better w/ lower reps and higher weight, the seated hits the soleus better which responds o high reps.

I've had times where I couldn't get the seated calf machine so instead I'll take a block of wood to elevate my toes, and sit on a bench balancing a few heavy DBs on my knees. A little awkward at first, but definitely a new sensation for a little variety.

S