How often should you work your calves?

Answer 1

This all depends on whether the lifter is trying to build muscle size and strength or improve strength endurance (in essence, powerlifting vs. lifting for reps). If powerlifting, I tend to do 3 sets of 15 with heavy weight. When I lift for reps, I usually remove about 100 pounds (around 20-25% of your powerlifting weight) and lift for a timed minute as fast as I can for 3 sets. Also note that using freeweights for calf-raises is much more beneficial than using the nautilous. or leg press machine, as it requires balance and helps build stabilizer muscles that otherwise can't be worked. The best method for performing free-weight calf-raises is with the bar and weights across the shoulders as if you were going to squat, but just raise yourself on your toes keeping your legs straight and about shoulder-width apart.

Answer 2

Once or at most twice a week should be fine.