Developed and toned calves allows for a variety of different movement. It is easier to participate in activities like walking, jogging or standing for longer periods with less discomfort. Calves are skeletal muscles attached to bones and are voluntarily controlled by our bodies meaning that we can generate movement of them when we want or need. Calves function in movements such as walking, running, standing and similar activities where leg muscles are used. There are approximately nine cross-sections of skeletal muscle fibers forming the calf and the calves are classified as high endurance muscles .
For women, toned calves are a must if you wear anything that may somewhat bear them-skirts, shorts, capris, and even leggings all show off the calves. For men, calve muscles are also important. No man wants chicken legs, or calves which are not muscular. Unfortunately the calves can be stubborn muscles to tone. Daily exercise such as walking does not usually cut it in terms of shaping calves in a pleasing way. Usually you need to do some form of weight or resistance training to get the calves you want. Well developed calf muscles are not only great to look at but they keep you from getting tired when doing physical activity such as running or participating in sports. The good news is you can do a home gym workout that can be accomplished using bare necessities. A pair of adjustable dumbbells, an exercise ball for kneeling exercises and a chair for body support are all the tools you need to get your calves into the shape you want. One great toning exercise is done using the exercise ball. While facing the ball, kneel and place both hands atop the ball. Slowly rise on the balls of the feet and imagine touching your upper thighs to your elbows. Next, return to the starting position. These kneeling calf raises are a great and effective calve toning exercise which does not take much time but gives great results.
Make sure to do calf toning exercises at least four times a week to get them into shape or maintain the muscles. Not only will you feel great about your legs but others will no doubt take notice.
