I know this thread is not really about calf development, is ultimately about
the use of S yntherol, but could not resist chiming in. No offence please.
My opinion . . . ditch the S yntherol. Once you have built your calves to the
point where they have some actual shape and definition, well . . . them,
perhaps, just perhaps, the usage of S yntherol might be justified, if you plan
on competing that is. Otherwise why do it? Nobody but yourself really
cares. You can’t run around in shorts year ‘rond . . . unless you live in
Florida that is
My second opinion . . . the stretch in any calf exercise, with weight, with the
intention of building your calves is highly overrated and unnecessary.
Again, my opinion. Flat footed calf raises (straight and bent leg) with the
emphasis on a long and mindful contraction is where it is at. Weight, while
important for progression, should not be at the expense of form and
repetitions.
A quick look at athletes who spend much time on their toes with no stretching
will perhaps help to illustrate my point. Think ballet dancers and cyclists for
instance. Neither stretches their calves except as a function of physical therapy.
Some, not all have great calves, but I do think the attached foto helps to illustrate
my point. Sure, some will say, that proves nothing, they are ‘outliers.’ Well that
could be so but the same could be said for bodybuilders who are gifted with
excellent calf development. Ballet dances . . . cyclists . . . good calf development
with zero stretching. Is that cause or effect . . . who wants to be the judge of that?
My third opinion . . . calves development is mostly genetic. We all know
that. Small ankles, low insertions are a plus. But they can and will improve like
all body parts but typically not in-line with your, or in my case, expectations.
Sad but true if you are looking for dramatic improvement.
Can’t tell you how many sets or the frequency. That you will have to figure
out yourself. Please keep accurate records, fotos, and accurate measurements
(see my post on measuring arms) but I would favor high reps, 50 – 100
as a place to start. Your mileage will vary.
Elvia1023, not dissing you. You are a good guy. And I am very much looking
forward to the before and after fotos of your calves after you finish your
S yntherol run. I hear they are, the shots that is, extraordinarily painful painful.
You are a better man than I.
And aapemann . . . sorry if I hijacked your thread