5 Easy Exercises to Create Great Sculpted Calf Muscles

Exercise, though a painful thought to some, is nevertheless essential for one to lead a healthy life. In addition to the weight loss benefits it provides, regular exercise has also been shown to help in the prevention of such diseases heart disease and osteoporosis. This is a list of simple exercises that don't involve a machine that one can do in order to build sculpted calf muscles. However, it's important to always remember to check with your doctor before adopting a new exercise regime.

Running

Running or jogging, twenty minutes a day, three times a week, is a fantastic way to not only help build calf muscles, but lose weight in general. If not done properly, however, this exercise can be harmful -such as when people don't stretch before running. Always make sure to stretch beforehand and not over-do it in the beginning. Otherwise, your body will be too concerned with trying to repair broken muscle tissue that it won't be able to do anything else.

Cans, Bottles, or Weights

One exercise that I have done for several years is to get on the floor on all fours, place an item of canned food, a bottled drink, or light weight behind my knee, squeeze the leg so that the can stays in place, and then lift up and hold for a few seconds. Repeat up to twenty five times on each leg and you've done an easy, quick calf muscle exercise that won't leave you too tired for anything else.

Squats

Doing squats is not only great for the legs, but the abs and buttocks as well! Simply stand with your feet apart (so that they line up with your shoulders) and then move as though there's a chair behind you and you're going to sit down. Hold the position for a few seconds and then stand back up. Do this at least twenty five times. If it starts to become too easy for you, include weights in the exercise or add more repetitions. Take it slowly and don't hop up and down like a jack in the box!

Calf Raises

These are similar to squats, except instead of bending back, bend straight down, like a ballet dancer. These are a bit more difficult, since more balance is required. If you have trouble maintaining balance, have something to hold on to, such as a chair, bar, or even a broom. Once this becomes too easy for you to do and you no longer require help balancing, incorporate weights into the routine.

The Bicycle

This is a fun exercise that requires very little effort at all! Simply lie on your back on the floor, raise your legs into the air, and move them in circles at a rapid pace, as though pedaling a bike. Actual bike pedaling is another great way to work on your calf muscles, but the floor exercise is good for rainy days or if you don't have a bicycle. It's quick, easy, fun, and any exercise that can be done in front of the television is definitely a winner!