calf raise variation

[ARTVB]

Is there any benefit with using the press to do calf raises over a seated calf raise machine or barbell calf raise? Are donkey calf raises on the smith the same as barbell calf raises except less demanding on the upper body

[paulinkansas]

Do these.

[x-trainer ben]

i met a pro and he told me heavy weight makes them grow, then Arnold said 4 times bodyweight.
so any exercise, with insanely heavy weight.
good luck

[TheShadowMan]

Barbell and dumbbell versions have the advantage of being more accessible than machines, in the context of home workouts. As for effect, donkey hits larger gastrocnemius muscle a bit harder than standing, but can be harder on the back to execute(and difficult to find a machine for these in many gyms, if machine is your preference). Seated calfraises focus more on the soleus, and less on the gastro, while the opposite is true for standing versions. Since the machine allows for stabilization, it won't stress the relevant areas as much as the freeweight version will, and results tend to take longer to see. In my experience, freeweight and bodyweight options tend to win out over them.

[air2fakie]

Chances are your calf size is going to look largely the same no matter what you do, although the definition and hardness within its current shell may change. Regardless, for most people, seated calf raise variations are a waste of time.

[TheJediBrah]

Calf raises on the leg press is very common, and if anything superior to doing them on a standing machine or Smith IMO.

I program them to do after leg-pressing every time while the plates are all on. Otherwise setting up the leg press with 10-13 plates per side just for some calf raises is a bit annoying

[ARTVB]

Thanks. I could go super heavy on barbell calf raises but when I used heel elevation and I could barely do my bw. I planned on using double progression but 4xbw is a nice goal

[ARTVB]

Do these.

Ha. I actually have heard that load carries are good for calves but I dont think theyd be better than calf raises

[TheShadowMan]

Rarely seen done, but ballerina walks are a considerable option(walking weighted or unweighted on your tiptoes). Not many options for compounds in the calf area, but these are real killers and give the muscle what it likes best - endurance while under load. Squatting on tiptoes is also a great one, but difficult to pull off unless something is held onto for balance. These two can be applied to the tibialis as well, just use heels instead of toes to emphasize that area.

[ARTVB]

Calf raises on the leg press is very common, and if anything superior to doing them on a standing machine or Smith IMO.

I program them to do after leg-pressing every time while the plates are all on. Otherwise setting up the leg press with 10-13 plates per side just for some calf raises is a bit annoying

Okay. I will at least the leg press calf raise first. Thanks JediBrah and everyone else