Stronger Calves to Jump Higher

The calve muscles can be one of the most difficult body parts to increase in size but developing explosive jumping power is easily gained with proper training methods. You do not have to build large muscles to get stronger, in fact, it may be genetics that dictate if your calf muscles develop large or small.

Using a combination of different calf exercises is the best way to hit the muscles from various angles to get the best results. The common standing calve raises are the ones everyone should be doing to work the large muscles. You can just rise up on your toes while standing on the floor for repetitions, or stand on a step so you can rise up and lower your heels lower for more of a stretch. Holding onto some dumbbells for added weight will create more difficulty or use a gym machine which will allow you to add weight to it. You would benefit from heavy weight with low repetitions with this exercise.

Try seated calve raises for the smaller muscles. While sitting, you can rest a barbell or something heavy across your knees. Raise your lower legs up on your toes and back down. As in the standing calve raises, if you have your toes on a block of some sort you would be able to lower your heels for more effect. This exercise can benefit from high reps and a longer time under tension.

If you already have been working out for a while and the muscles are conditioned, you can do plyometrics. Plyometrics are the best for building explosive strength in your muscles. Some example exercises are jumping up and down just using your lower leg and toes. Try hopping in a forward motion using only your feet. Stair climbing or bounding up stairs is great for calves and the leg muscles in general.

To get the most out of your vertical jump training program do not neglect the calf muscles. They play an important part of jumping and when developed along with the rest of the leg muscles will make a big difference in your performance.

For more information on training to jump higher go to: A HREF="http://www.squidoo.com/vertical-jumping">Jump Higher. This authors interests are in Fitness Training and Health.