Calve work-out question

[CampyRecord]

A couple of questions...
I've been doing 5 sets of standing and 5 sets of seated calve raises and I'm wondering if it would help to alternate the angle to which my feet point from set to set (inward, straight, outward). Does anyone know if this is effective in exhausting the calves vs just doing them with toes pointed straight ahead?
Also, I've been doing weight that I can do 20 reps with because I'm a bit shy when it comes to loading on the weight. I have a fear that my small calves will snap or something under a load where I can only do 10 to 12 sets...any comments on this? Are the calves a pretty strong muscle in general?
Thanks

[bluexj]

I've always pointed my toes straight when doing calve raises. You're calves are pretty strong. I'm sure that you won't snap them...

Here a a couple of articles I found on calves:

Calf Raises: Pointing the toes forward, in, or out? | World Fitness Network

Bodybuilding.com - Hugo Rivera - The Science Behind Calf Training!

[yakubu]

Originally Posted by CampyRecord

A couple of questions...
I've been doing 5 sets of standing and 5 sets of seated calve raises and I'm wondering if it would help to alternate the angle to which my feet point from set to set (inward, straight, outward). Does anyone know if this is effective in exhausting the calves vs just doing them with toes pointed straight ahead?
Also, I've been doing weight that I can do 20 reps with because I'm a bit shy when it comes to loading on the weight. I have a fear that my small calves will snap or something under a load where I can only do 10 to 12 sets...any comments on this? Are the calves a pretty strong muscle in general?
Thanks

changing the angle of ur toes definately works but dont change them between sets e.g dont do one set with ur toes facing straight then the next set with ur toes on a 90 degree angle.

simple stick to the toes straight thing for 4 weeks then change to the angled toes for the next 4 weeks. dont change between sets though cos that wud be like doing a set of bench press followed by a set of incine bench press.

u need to start packing on more weight my friend. the whole reason why body for life is so successful is the high point. the purpose of it is to lift weights to failure. lifting weights were u cud easily do 20 reps just isnt gonna make ur muscles grow

[Chris]

Calves are a little unique. They take a lot of abuse in day to day life. When working your calves in the gym, they recover very quickly and in turn, it is difficult to fatigue them like other muscle groups. I'm a big fan of doing multiple sets of 10-15 reps and going as heavy as possible. I also try to rest only 30 seconds between sets.

You can vary the angle of your toes, but be aware of your knees. For example, if you point your toes in, try not to let the angle of your knees change, don't let them sag toward the middle. For toes-in calves, keep a wide-ish stance and keep knees strong.
It is important to change the angle from time to time to avoid disproportionate calf growth. I developed a training injury as a result of one side of my calves becoming stronger than the other and it eventually resulted in a stress fracture. So I prefer to change up 1-2 sets on each leg day (contrary to yakubu's advice). Let's say I'm planning to do 4 sets of 12 calf raises.. I might do 3 sets with straight toes and 1 set turned out or in, depending on mood.

Great question.