York Barbells have helped build bulging biceps, broad shoulders and powerful chest muscles since 1932. Don’t forget about the benefits to the lower body — particularly the calves. Several exercises designed for York Barbells increase the size and strength of calf muscles. Using York Barbells to do exercises such as raises, squats and lunges is an effective way to shape up the calves.

Raise Up

Standing flat-footed and raising up on your toes is a simple calf exercise. Adding York Barbells to the workout adds strength to the simplicity. Using a manageable amount of weight, keep your feet flat on the ground and lift the barbell over your head. Place the barbell on your shoulders behind your neck. Simply raise up on your toes and place your feet back on the floor. Do multiple sets of 10. Raises using York Barbells focus solely on the calves and quickly add strength and definition.

Take a Seat

You might have to work up to lifting the York Barbell over your head and placing it on your shoulders to do calf raises. Sitting on a workout bench while holding the barbell on your thighs is a good way to get started. Standing up on your toes while holding the barbell and sitting back down is a less strenuous way to work the calves. It is important to stay on the toes to keep maximum weight pressure on the calves.

Squats

Much like standing calf raises using York Barbells, squats require the weights to go on your shoulders behind the head. The degree of difficulty on squats is higher than calf raises, but so is the payoff. Squatting into a crouch with the barbell on your shoulders and raising back up to the standing position build powerful calves. Squats are difficult, but highly effective. Using a spotter is highly recommended.

Lunge Forward

Much like raises and squats, lunges work the calves and build muscles with York Barbells’ help. With the weights on the shoulders, take a step forward with the right foot, then the left foot, alternating throughout the exercise. Extend the leg out as far as possible and plant it on the knee. Bring the leg back into the standing position before stepping forward with the other leg.