HST does not work for calves.

[RusPA81]

After 6 weeks on HST I have decided that it does not work well for calve training. Everything else has been very good as I have gained 8 pounds while losing bodyfat, but my calves got smaller. I have decided that I would be better to work calves only in the 15 and 10 rep range and work them close to failure. I think that calves need that extra intensity. Its really the only way my calves have ever grown. What do you guys think? Any of you HSTer's have similar experiences?

 

[casualbb]

My calves seem to grow okay on HST. How much volume do you do? Calves seem to be able to handle quite a lot... I bumped up volume recently and it feels more "right." Waiting to see if that translates to better growth.

 

[RusPA81]

My calves seem to grow okay on HST. How much volume do you do? Calves seem to be able to handle quite a lot... I bumped up volume recently and it feels more "right." Waiting to see if that translates to better growth.

I was doing 3 sets standing and 3 sets seated. It seems to me that calves need to be trained at a higher intensity. The lower weights in each cycle were just to light.

 

[Toozee]

Mine grow a little on HST, but they do better with more volume and higher reps. Something real similar to what needsize posted here a day or so ago where you work em 2x a week, but with more volume.

 

[Imakarum_Mirabilis]

If I work them consistently, and add weight, without any form deviation, they will grow.

Intensity is good to go by. Perceived intensity of effort, though, is just a feeling.

 

[fat tire]

how much weight are you guys doing for your seated calf raises?

 

[Dave949]

I have found what works best for my calfs is what I call an extended set or what is commonly referred to as rest pause. Basically I do a set to failure, rest 10 seconds and repeat with same weight for as many reps as I can do, rest 10 seconds, repeat, 10 seconds repeat, etc.. The pain is excruciating and the intensity is off the chart, but its brief, effective and works my calfs to the core. It really puts ones pain barrier to the test. When I complete each extended set my calfs are so pumped they are actually visually pulsating. I do one extended set twice a week.