The Path to Insulin Sensitivity
One of the most frustrating and damaging metabolic conditions a person can have is insulin resistance. On one end, insulin ...
Exercise Execution
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Creatine: Much More Than a Muscle Builder
Bodybuilders, and indeed all athletes looking to secure the performance edge would have at least a passing knowledge of the ...
MCT’s versus LCTs: Which are best for boosting performance and burning fat?
Not all fats are created equal. Put simply, there are good fats and bad fats: the so called unsaturated and ...
Interview Q&A Series with Ben: Tips for Maximal Recovery
Question: “We all know that it’s essential for anyone who trains hard to recover sufficiently to continuously improve their performance and physique. What ...
Wheying in on the Debate: A Case for the Superiority of Whey Protein
Whey protein has been used in one form or another for at least 300 years, yet it has taken until ...
The Essentials of Bodypart Specialization: Hamstring and Glute Training
In preparation for writing this article, I wanted to see what exactly was written out on the web when it ...
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Bent-Knee Calf Movements
Guidelines for all Bent-Knee Calf movements
(unless specifically stated otherwise)
- place the ball of the foot in contact with the pad / platform / ground
- medium stance unless stated otherwise (hips, knees and ankles inline)
- keep knees stable throughout (when standing, lock out quads and contract the glutes)
- ensure full ankle flexion and extension (not foot)
- only come up from the bottom when the tibialis anterior at the front contracts
- focus on driving the weight through the big toe (not via the outsides of the feet)
- when you think you’re up all the way, go a little further (max height); aim for a huge peak contraction and really fight for those inches, bring the heels up as high as physically possible.
* Consciously think also about pulling the knees / ankles together throughout (inward ‘intent’).
Seated Calf Raises
- Exercise Specific:
- some assistance with the last few reps (pulling with forearms) is acceptable, though use common sense to determine if you’re just being too ambitious with the weight and adjust accordingly next time if so.
Squatting Bodyweight Calf Raises
- Exercise Specific:
- hold onto something for support, then squat down until the bottom position is reached
- ensure centre of gravity is over the toes
- remaining in this position throughout, raise up onto the tips of the toes at the top
- attempt to momentarily touch heels to the ground at the bottom if ankle flexibility allows (with no compromising of form); this may not be possible for some but not others – just work within the range achievable with perfect execution.
