Calves- importance in sprinting

[John Lee]

How important are calf muscles for sprinting relative to hamstrings and quads?
I read a lot of articles saying that power comes from upper leg muscles. Calf muscles are closer to the ground and energy transfer is more efficent from them.

Any thoughts and also any good exercises in developing calf muscles?

[Megaplaya]

Thighs are definelty the most important muscle in my opinion when sprinting. I know two guys who had hugemongous thighs. One ran a 47 400M and the other was 10.4 in the 100M.

[Brumund-Smith]

The hips are the most important and also the most ignored muscle in sprinting. Having very strong calves is great though. They're not going to add much bulk to your frame either.

[barton_hurdler]

I would have to vote hamstrings.

[BisonHurdler]

I would have to vote hamstrings.



And I would second that. Hamstrings are certainly a primary effector when sprinting, much more so for their hip extenion abilities than for leg flexion.

Calves are of minor importance, relatively speaking. Most knowledgeable coaches avoid any type of direct calf strengthening weightlifting program and opt to include plyometric exercises in order to train the motor neurons to become more efficient without significant hypertrophy of the gastroc and soleus (increased gastroc/soleus mass = heavier "lever" to swing with the distal lower limbs).

And to go with what Brumund said, any other muscles that effect at or around the hip joint (adductors, abductors, iliopsoas) are important - and often overlooked - as well.

[barton_hurdler]

And I would second that. Hamstrings are certainly a primary effector when sprinting, much more so for their hip extenion abilities than for leg flexion.

Calves are of minor importance, relatively speaking. Most knowledgeable coaches avoid any type of direct calf strengthening weightlifting program and opt to include plyometric exercises in order to train the motor neurons to become more efficient without significant hypertrophy of the gastroc and soleus (increased gastroc/soleus mass = heavier "lever" to swing with the distal lower limbs).

And to go with what Brumund said, any other muscles that effect at or around the hip joint (adductors, abductors, iliopsoas) are important - and often overlooked - as well.

couldn't had said it better myself

[Sully 800]

few can

[Arrow]

What is the most efficient way to develop thigh muscles? Lunges? I have good calf muscles and can jump very high but my thighs aren't up to par.

[BisonHurdler]

What is the most efficient way to develop thigh muscles? Lunges? I have good calf muscles and can jump very high but my thighs aren't up to par.



"Thigh muscles" is extremely vague. You mean quadriceps? Hamstrings? Adductors? Abductors? Gracilis?


Either way, SQUATTING will build your legs like nothing you've seen before. Great for developing quads, glutes, even hamstrings, along with strengthening your general core.

[holydiver]

i still lifted for my calves to prevent shin splints(didnt work though). i didnt read what other people wrote because it was too long but your hammies and hip flexors are the most important muscles to develop.

[barton_hurdler]

i will still say that the best form of sprinting weightlifting is power olympic lifts (squat, snatch, power clean)

[Arrow]

Are there alternatives since I don't have easy regular access to the gym?