** GETTING IN SHAPE FOR SUMMER **

[Defjam28]

I`d go with 8-12 reps a set but it`s best to experiment with different rep ranges and see what works best for you.

But don't fast twitch muscles require higher reps to stimulate them to grow.

Like with forearms.

To a certain extent mate but I find that people respond differently to different rep ranges. Some people swear by higher reps for putting on size whereas others will do 4-6 reps a set. It`s all about finding what works for you. I don`t belive in doing more than 15 reps a set as it`s only the last few reps that really count so I feel you`re waisting your time for most of the set. Just my opinion though.

 

[NilSatis]

you could try calves the old school bodybuilder way, by getting your training partner in a piggyback then doing the raises on a bottom stair to get a good stretch!

....Or maybe just use machines!

 

[Drew]

you could try calves the old school bodybuilder way, by getting your training partner in a piggyback then doing the raises on a bottom stair to get a good stretch!

....Or maybe just use machines!

Glad to say i never tried that maneover.

 

[NilSatis]

I read about it in a training magazine I think it was ferrigno or arnie who used to do it

it would seem that calves are controlled by genetics more than other body parts, a number of pro bodybuilders have been found/are rumoured to have calf implants.

 

[puppylover]

My input .....

I have struggled (actually been obsessed) for years to stay slimmer than I should be, tried every fad diet going, and I have always known that the key is really eat sensibly and exercise.

When I kickboxed and Thai boxed for 5 years - I weighed over 11 stone but was still a size 12. My calfs were massive (not a good look for a girl) but obviously training 9 hours a week wasnt going to help! Anyway to cut a long story short and 7 years later. I have found my comfort zone of healthy diet and exercise - and it doesnt interfere with my enjoyment of life.

I now eat pretty much healthier than i did last year, and I have cut out certain carbs after 5-6pm, ie; no bread, potatoes, rice or pasta. The carbs that I do eat through the day are wholegrain or organic which suits me better. I do 200 sit ups usually every other night and 100 leg lifts for my lower abs (welcome back to those!) I also play two 40 min squash sessions per week. This is all on top of a good 40 minute dog walk every day.

I have lost over a stone and with no sign of it slipping back on, I am far more toned, and now weigh 9st 12lb which isnt skinny by any stretch of the imagination, but i am not one of those boyish shaped girls anyway and for me to get to what is basically an unrealistic weight for my body structure means I look quite ill.......

 

[CraigyB]

a number of pro bodybuilders have been found/are rumoured to have calf implants.

I seen a program where an Americam bloke had implants in his calfs and it ate away at his whole leg. He now has no flesh and hobbles about with fake leg type things.

Does cross trainer, long distance running not build calfs?

 

[CraigyB]

I find that upper arms are the hardest area to tone, mainly because as I used to climb loads, they were very toned so when I stopped, it all went flabby and loose.

My missus is always moaning about her bingo wings.

Woman are probably paronoid about that area of there body the most.

 

[Drew]

Anyone know what time Fitness First opens in a morning?

I'm planning on doing half hour cardio before work tomorrow.

 

[NilSatis]

I would say a mixture of calf raises/weights and some form of exercise were you perform explosive movements (football, basketball, sprinting ??) build calves. Perhaps some movements taken from plyometrics would be good for them.

There is a guy obsessed with building his claves in the gym I go to.It doesnt have a seated calf machine , so he sits on a normal bench and gets the two 40/42kg dumbells, either a 10 or 15kg weight (or plates making it up to that weight) and puts them one end up on his knees , with his weights belt for a rest!! It takes him about 20minutes to put it all together and two people to help him sort it all out!
I wouldnt mind but he never wears shorts and he doesnt play sports!
Would you be bothered!

 

[Drew]

I would say a mixture of calf raises/weights and some form of exercise were you perform explosive movements (football, basketball, sprinting ??) build calves. Perhaps some movements taken from plyometrics would be good for them.

Or ................. windowcleaning!

 

[Beckiboo]

Anyone know what time Fitness First opens in a morning?

I'm planning on doing half hour cardio before work tomorrow.

Different branches open at different times I think. Most are about 6am - 6.30am. Best bet is to ring your branch up and ask.

 

[Drew]

Anyone know what time Fitness First opens in a morning?

I'm planning on doing half hour cardio before work tomorrow.

Best bet is to ring your branch up and ask.

Good idea, especially as i have the number in my phone

I think it opens at 6am.

 

[NilSatis]

Calf information:

http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/anatomy/calvesanatomy.htm
http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/anatomy/calvesanatomypart2.htm

Drew you starting this topic Is preventing me getting a LOT of work done!

Out of curiosity, when you do your cardio before work, are you planning to do it on an empty stomach?
Ive always doen this to try and maximize fat burning, but Ive read it can also eat away at protein (i.e muscles) too?

 

[Drew]

Calf information:

http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/anatomy/calvesanatomy.htm
http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/anatomy/calvesanatomypart2.htm

Drew you starting this topic Is preventing me getting a LOT of work done!

Out of curiosity, when you do your cardio before work, are you planning to do it on an empty stomach?
Ive always doen this to try and maximize fat burning, but Ive read it can also eat away at protein (i.e muscles) too?

I'll have some porridge before i go, which isn't a fantastic idea but my metabolism is extremely fast so it'll have settled in time.

Couldn't go without breakfast for anything.

 

[Clara]

I have scrambled eggs for breakfast with a glass of tomato juice. Keeps me going until lunchtime at least.

 

[Drew]

I always have a large bowl of porridge around 7am and by 10am i'm on my knees starving!

 

[Defjam28]

Calf information:

Out of curiosity, when you do your cardio before work, are you planning to do it on an empty stomach?
Ive always doen this to try and maximize fat burning, but Ive read it can also eat away at protein (i.e muscles) too?

It is best to do cardio on an empty stomach as you will force your body to burn it`s fat stores for energy rather than use the food you`ve just eaten.

It is good to have a protein shake before though to stop your body from burning muscle for fuel.

 

[Clara]

I have a banana before I go to the gym. Anything less and I'll feel dizzy.

 

[Drew]

I have a banana before I go to the gym. Anything less and I'll feel dizzy.

I stopped eating bananas some time ago - they lay too heavy on me.

They have a very high carb count too which isn't good if you're trying to lower your carb intake.

Great to eat after a big night out though

 

[Clara]

That's the only time I have them and I feel that if I'm going to work out like mad for at least an hour then I can afford to have one! Like I said, when i don't have one, I feel terrible and don't work as hard in the gym as a result.