Calf Training for a Hardgainer

[Brad7]

I've read that hardgainers or naturally skinny people shouldnt directly work their calves in a workout, but they should concentrate on coumpound lifts only...what is the reason for this?? The rest of my bodyparts seem to be growing nicely except my calves, so why is it not recommended? How do i get my calves bigger without doing the usual squats/deadlifts/benchpresses etc??

I've tried calf raises but they dont seem to make a difference...any advise??

[Canadian Iron]

Direct work done for high reps (yes painful) multiple times per week.

[Brad7]

Direct work done for high reps (yes painful) multiple times per week.

Does anyone know if, for example, on a deadlift or squat, I raise my toes at the top of the movement, will this also help build my calves??

[Canadian Iron]

Does anyone know if, for example, on a deadlift or squat, I raise my toes at the top of the movement, will this also help build my calves??

Perhaps, but it's still not a good idea. For squats, focus on squatting. For deads, focus on deadlifting.

[axewars]

Direct work done for high reps (yes painful) multiple times per week.

Spot on. I consider myself a hard-gainer and the only way I ever finally got to see results in my calves was by doing this. In fact it is one of the few things I did correctly in my previous lifting life...

Perhaps, but it's still not a good idea. For squats, focus on squatting. For deads, focus on deadlifting.

Underdog couldn't have said it better himself. have no fear....

[Defiant1]

I've read that hardgainers or naturally skinny people shouldnt directly work their calves in a workout, but they should concentrate on coumpound lifts only...what is the reason for this?? The rest of my bodyparts seem to be growing nicely except my calves, so why is it not recommended? How do i get my calves bigger without doing the usual squats/deadlifts/benchpresses etc??

I've tried calf raises but they dont seem to make a difference...any advise??

Train the MF'ers every workout day. Alternate Standing/Toe Press/Donkey with Seated for as many sets as you are doing for your other exercise.

[Brad7]

Train the MF'ers every workout day. Alternate Standing/Toe Press/Donkey with Seated for as many sets as you are doing for your other exercise.

Thanks, I think im gona try that from 2morrow, i work out like 4 times a week so that should provide enough stimulation for my calves to grow!

[RU4A69]

Does anyone know if, for example, on a deadlift or squat, I raise my toes at the top of the movement, will this also help build my calves??

[arnold voice]bad idea[/arnold voice]

[Vartuli]

there are some compund squats that you can do that work calves as well:

- Jump Squats (without weights or with dumbells; not recommened with heavy barbell...der!)
- Barbell Step Ups
- Hack Squats

Also leg press machine also assists calves development if you put your feet at the top of the leg press plate.

[funkymonk420]

Defiant1 should be listened to as his advice sounds good. personally, i don't train them more than twice a week but i do the same thing by just doing a set of a calf exercise between each other set that day. i generally do them until i can't do more than 6 reps, takes about 5, maybe 6 sets. also i found something weird: doing multiple calf exercises in one workout is not as effective for me as doing one calf exercise to absolute exhaustion. this is merely anecdotal evidence from my personal experience but my calves aren't naturally gifted either so maybe it'll work for you.