Warrior Focus, #16 in the Series: Calves

Introduction:

 

I always try to think of why I am doing what I am doing and then bring that reason into sharp focus as I proceed.  When I do Calves I must remember that this bilateral, small set of muscles below the knees also have the potential of getting the attention of the judges.  I focus on this single truth while I pound them into oblivion.  I do not use any other equipment to hit my CALVES.

Methodology of my CALF routine:

I am short so I have to step up onto the upper most rung of the stairs of the angled calf raise machine.  I then spend a little time stretching out my calves on each side — one at a time — to get them ready for work.

Next, I set the pin on the stack of weights at the lowest possible plate.  I do 12-15 reps.  I then move the pin one hole to the next higher plate and I repeat the process of 12-15 reps.  I keep moving the pin with each set of 12-15 until I get to about 220 – 240 lbs.  At  this top end weight I now do 7 sets of 12 reps.  After I have accomplished this — I am done!  Believe me when I tell you that my CALVES are now burning, tight, veiny, and shredded.  I have stuck to this routine, that I do twice per week, for the last 4 years.

Personal Assessment:

My CALVES are one of my best body parts.  It can be said that they are my “CALLING CARDS.”  They have gotten massive over this time and I am very proud of them.  My CALVES are the foundation upon which I have built my physique.  They get all my attention and I push them to be even bigger and more impressive.

This is not just another body part discussion.  To be great at anything, we must have the guts to do the hard stuff when it seems too hard to do.  This is the essence of body building.  Taking your body where it’s never been before.

“OUR Time” is now.  Let’s all push to accomplish more with whatever we have.  Our families and especially our wives and kids deserve to see excellence as an example from us.

Go do “CALVES”….. Until next time!

Douglas E. Graham, Lt Col, USAF, (ret), MHSM