Thread: Training Calves - Lyle McDonald

Originally Posted by MO

Gotta love that genetic myth with calves - to a degree, maybe...
Truth is, if they recieved as much attention to detail as the bicep's, everyone would have calves.

I couldn't agree more. Just need to look at the history of Arnold and his calf development to realise that blaming genetics is absolute bs.

Yeah because Arnold had shit genetics.... (he just didn't train them when he was younger). I do agree that many use genetics as an excuse, and do not put as much effort into training calves as other bodyparts. But to say that genetics is a myth is complete BS.

Take a look at Warren Clampit for example, one of the best and hard working bodybuilders in Australia, yet very average calves - I'd bet every cent I have that he'd spend as much time (maybe more) on calves than other bodyparts. They'd probably be half that size if he trained them "a few sets a week" like many people who blame genetics do...

When I go to the local shopping centre I often see people who look like they don't even train with calves bigger than a lot of pro bodybuilders! The majority of them are obese or Asian...

Originally Posted by Gav

Yeah because Arnold had shit genetics.... (he just didn't train them when he was younger). I do agree that many use genetics as an excuse, and do not put as much effort into training calves as other bodyparts. But to say that genetics is a myth is complete BS.

You got me there, I guess it was a poor example of people making excuses. However in saying that I was trying to highlight what could be achieved if the time and effort was put into it.

Its not an excuse, its pointing out the obvious.

I see over a 1000 people a year through work, over 50% are fatty's. How many i see with ridiculous calves and never step foot in the gym is just an observation.

You still gotta work em. Regardless.

Just saying the dudes on stage with the massive cows, i bet they were fat. Nothing to do with genetics actually, its the weight.

To blame genetics and leave it at that is what is BS.
Of course it play's a part, i said to a degree.
I'm talking about those that leave calf training at the end of a leg workout and half arse it because they wanna get home, i'm talking about those that won't go as far to study the anatomy and make up of the whole calf, those that think that a one directional lift will get them full development, those that know how stubborn their calves are at growing but still put them last priority with a few 'bounce' sets 10 times their body weight. That's whats BS!
The non-genetically gifted could put everything i mention above into full focus and come up with equal calves as he/she who has crazy calf genetics but doesn't do any of all this. When the both are stepping on stage, they will both look like they have calf genetics but only one of them will know that ain't true.

Does it matter? Do the judges give a shit who worked harder for them?

Same goes with any bodypart.

Genetic's for bodybuilding is what will get someone there quicker with less work.
Yes, that's a bitch, but it just mean's more study, focus and time on your body to respond for those less unfortunate.

Yep. Bump for MO.

Regardless of your genetics if you want to increase a muscle size and/or strength you need to train it. It's that simple. Calf muscles = no different.

I agree with Mark and MO. Genetics will determine ultimate size and shape of the muscle but some people just don't have existant calf muscles, there is no excuse for that.

My inner gastrocnemus is marginally bigger than my outter.. Is this normal?

Originally Posted by Gav

When I go to the local shopping centre I often see people who look like they don't even train with calves bigger than a lot of pro bodybuilders! The majority of them are obese or Asian...

Asians do seem to have better calf development. Whats up with that??? They all seem to have the same shape too, kind of an outward curve from knee to ankle. That seems to support the genetic myth, either that or the myth of secret calf machines stashed out the back of stores in Sussex Street

Originally Posted by Jaiman

My inner gastrocnemus is marginally bigger than my outter.. Is this normal?

I hope so - my inner is much bigger than my outer, simply becauise of my running style for years (over-pronation but with high arches).

FWIW since switching to a more barefoot style of running (ie front foot striking) my soleus & outer gastro are really developing.