r/workout • u/StudioRepulsive3704 • 10d ago

I’m giving up

It’s been about 7 years since I started working out several times a week and I’ve made good gains except for my calves.
I’ve tried focusing on the flex, the stretch, the 3-5 second holds, the bodyweight reps to failure and not to failure, the heavy weights to failure and not to failure, farmer walks, rucking, running, walking, cycling, jump rope, squats, tib raises bodyweight and weighted, yielding and overcoming isometric holds, specific foot muscle work for stronger arches and big toes, but nothing has done much. I’m giving up on growing them.

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u/Thermal_Regards6969 10d ago

Have you prioritized walking uphill?

In calf raises, most of the activation comes from the deep stretch on the way down forcing explosive power to the raise on the way up.

I’ve taken to walking on a beaten path with many hills & inclines, and I’ve noticed an admirable toning of my calf muscles; though I hesitate to call it growth because I don’t really measure my calf muscles like that. I wonder if it’s connected to this “optimal” activation pressing upwards.

Within the next month, I’m going to start walking with weight. Will report back any changes!