Calf development and MMA

[Charles Martel]

Does having strong, developed calves have a particular advantage in MMA? I would think that it would help with knees, flying knees, and takedown defense. Any opinions on the matter?

 

[bacon]

 

[Charles Martel]

Ha Ha Ha

 

[K-1Dork]

Strong legs, strong kicks.

 

[Lusst]

Bwa-haha, Bacon with the burn...

 

[jrocc]

It'll surely add some explosiveness to you footwork

 

[Urban]

I really see very little reason to train your calves in isolation. there's some injury prevention benefit, but none that I don't think couldn't be attained through better methods (dragging a sled, pushing a car, jumping rope, etc.)

So to answer the question you didn't ask: there are far better things a fighter should be spending their time on than calf raises.

 

[jayb]

It can't hurt to do a few sets at the end of your workout occasionally. Definitely not necessary to have it as a focus, IMO.

 

[Tone C]

MMMM!!Lunch.

Thanks Bacon,that made me start crying with laughter when I figured out why you posted that....kinda surprised me when I saw it.

 

[bacon]

Muthafuckin MOO and shit...

 

[Centaur]

When I'm done my incline leg press, I do about 10 reps using just my toes/balls od foot while keeping my legs pretty much straight. That's about it though. I have huge calves though, and I never drive, always walk/bike/jog everywhere.

One things for sure, my legs kicks hurt.

 

[Wild Dan Hibiki]

i have huge strong calves, but all they've helped me with so far is give me cramps when i'm doing judo

 

[chia]

Squats And Milk!

 

[anvar]

they have their time and place (i.e. strength/stability and hypertrophy phase of your physical preperation cycle).


I personally have weak calfs and I alawys get off balance when i do high head kicks...

 

[The Jake]

Weightlifting for MMA != Bodybuilding.

- J.

 

[NeoOsiris]

I really see very little reason to train your calves in isolation. there's some injury prevention benefit, but none that I don't think couldn't be attained through better methods (dragging a sled, pushing a car, jumping rope, etc.)

So to answer the question you didn't ask: there are far better things a fighter should be spending their time on than calf raises.

Pretty much what Urban said. Calfs are one of those muscle groups like biceps where isolating them to specific work outs isn't that important. But rather use them in a more practical exercise like jumping as he stated. If you want to have more explosive footwork and legs I have a program that is for basketball but is pretty much for any sport.

 

[Centaur]

^^^^

Care to share?

I'm always lookin for new programs, espeacially if they involve plyometrics.

 

[Stonebreaker]

Pretty much what Urban said. Calfs are one of those muscle groups like biceps where isolating them to specific work outs isn't that important. But rather use them in a more practical exercise like jumping as he stated. If you want to have more explosive footwork and legs I have a program that is for basketball but is pretty much for any sport.

Damn. You beat me to the calves = biceps post.

Yeah. Stronger calves can't hurt. Stronger biceps can't hurt. It's just that the time and effort it takes to build them up could be far better spent elsewhere if what you're looking for is overall strength or sport-specific performance. Unless somebody with more martial arts experience has something to say to the contrary, I'd say to stay with the big compound lifts and your calves will wind up as strong as they need to be.

 

[NeoOsiris]

^^^^

Care to share?

I'm always lookin for new programs, espeacially if they involve plyometrics.

just pm me with your email and i can send you the doc file if you want the program

 

[slammedmind]

you shouldnt be looking for bigger calves but rather stronger ones that will last a full fight, the traing we do at the moment is all in the 20-30rep range with 10min skipping and 15min run right after, this destroys your calves but adds alot of explosiveness and speed, surely this cant be a disadvantage?