effective calf workout

[kingpin]

Currently I simply do 3 sets of 10 on the seated calf raise with my toes pointing forward. Should I switch it up pointing toes in different directions, I'd like to increase my vertical jump.

[Yanick]

I recently read that if you don't include exercises in which your leg is straight you won't effectively work your gastrocnemius, because it is in a relaxed position in exercises in which your leg is bent IE seated calf raises, but is worked in exercises in which your leg is straight IE Standing calf raises/donkey calf raises.

[Chris Rodgers]

I have heard that doing squats would be more beneficial to a vertical leap. Perhaps even doing them explosively with little rest between sets, i.e. 8 sets of 2 reps with 60-65% of your 1 rep max.

[Cackerot69]

If you want to increase your vertical jump then practice vertical jumping.

[Maki Riddington]

Originally posted by Cackerot69
If you want to increase your vertical jump then practice vertical jumping.

*** That would be the first step.

[Joe Black]

and I would assume he is already doing that

Please tell me you are .....

[kingpin]

I play ball all the time but I heard working the outsides of the calves helps jumping

[DaChickenShowYo]

Do some direct jumping work apart from practice and games. Try alot of explosive plyo exercise. Try lightweight jumping squats to along with your calve work.

[Herc]

I've found that mixing up when you train calves helps a lot.

A trick I use is to do a full calf workout everytime I have to wait for a piece of equipment at the gym.

If you work out at a busy gym and find yourself overtraining calves (which is hard to do) alternate calf workouts and forearm workouts when you have to wait.