BFR vs Heavy Training for Calves – Which Builds More Muscle?

Struggling to grow your calves despite consistent training? You’re not alone! In this video, I break down a fascinating new study comparing traditional heavy calf training to low-load blood flow restriction (BFR) training in resistance-trained individuals.

We’ll cover exactly what the researchers did, the surprising results, and—most importantly—what this means for your own calf training strategy. You’ll learn why calves are so notoriously stubborn, how BFR works, and why even this method didn’t outperform traditional heavy lifting in this study.

If you’re a lifter chasing bigger calves, this video will help you understand what works, what doesn’t, and how you might need to adjust your approach to see real growth.

📌 What You’ll Learn in This Video:

How BFR training compares to heavy calf training in trained lifters

Why calves might not grow despite consistent training

Study methods, participant details, and key findings

Practical takeaways for your own calf workouts

Why discomfort levels were higher with BFR—and what that means

📖 Referenced Study: [Insert link to the study if applicable]

⏱ Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: Why calves are so stubborn to grow
00:19 – What is blood flow restriction (BFR) training?
01:22 – Why calves are different from other muscles
02:14 – Study design and methods
03:23 – Training protocols explained
04:16 – How muscle growth was measured
04:46 – The results: growth (or lack of it)
05:37 – Perceived exertion and discomfort
06:02 – Why this matters for trained lifters
07:13 – Did BFR offer any advantage?
07:32 – Possible reasons for the results
08:12 – Study limitations to keep in mind
09:22 – Bottom line: Should you use BFR for calves?
09:47 – Outro and call for audience feedback

calf training, blood flow restriction training, BFR calves, how to grow calves, calf workout tips, hypertrophy training, stubborn calf muscles, muscle growth plateau, strength training research, resistance training calves

💬 Question for you: Have you tried BFR training for calves? Did it work for you? Let me know in the comments!

📢 If you enjoyed this breakdown, hit like, subscribe, and share this video with your training buddies!

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Holly T. Baxter, A.P.D.
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