27/11/2025
🦵 Does Full Range of Motion Actually Matter for Calf Strength? 🦵
Most people know that deep calf raises strengthen the Achilles tendon…but what about the muscle itself? 🤔
A 2023 study put this under the microscope
Researchers had 42 untrained women train calf raises using three different ranges:
1️⃣ Full range: deep stretch → full raise�2️⃣ Partial (stretched): deep stretch → parallel�3️⃣ Partial (contracted): parallel → full raise
📊 What did they find?�
🔥 Training in the stretched position (deep → parallel) led to significantly greater hypertrophy of BOTH the medial & lateral gastrocnemius.
So what does this mean for your training?
🔑 If you want the biggest bang-for-buck gains for tendon, bone and muscle:�👉 Go heavy. Go slow. Go deep.�That long-muscle-length tension matters!
Perfect for runners, jumpers, and anyone wanting stronger calves💥
👋 Runners & Health Pros: if this taught you something new, hit like & share!
📚 Reference:�Kassiano W, Costa B, Kunevaliki G, et al. Greater Gastrocnemius Muscle Hypertrophy After Partial Range of Motion Training Performed at Long Muscle Lengths. J Strength Cond Res. 2023;37(9):1746–1753.
