Lower Leg Training (Read 1922 times)

I'm looking for a good way to strengthen the muscles of my shin muscles (anterior lower leg). I've been recovering from stress fractures for a while and the doctor recommended doing stuff to build up the muscle mass on the lower leg. I've done toe raises, stuff with the elastic band, etc. etc. I tried adding resistance to my toes for the toe raise, but that dumbell won't stay balanced on my foot Any suggestions?

If you go to runners world.com they have a couple of videos under "injury prevention" go to "the Body" series and they have a series of videos about different body parts and how to care for them -- shins/lower leg is one of them. I found them useful. Hope they help. Here's a link: http://www.runnersworld.com/runnersbody/

I've had some success using the exercises described on this page: http://www.ultrunr.com/shins.html. it sounds like you're already doing some of the exercises described there, but you may find some other ideas also. and for the dumbells, i use an old knee support brace to strap a small 4 lb one to the foot.

I've been in PT since January for severe tendinitis. Here are some of the things we do: Lots of balance exercises to strengthen all of the leg muscles Wobble board - I finally bought one at Dicks and use it about 20 times a day Stand on one foot on foam pad and rotate other leg in an arc motion Stand on one leg and rock forward and back (leaning) Stand on one leg and raise the other one - rotate at hips bringing knee across front of body and then out to side When you can do the above 2 easily, do them while holding a medicine ball overhead. Toe raises Heel raises Bridges with the stability ball Stand on a step with one leg and lower until other foot almost touches the floor, then raise back up Step onto a foam pad and "nail" your landing i.e., minimum wobble. This is done from all 4 sides of the pad - i.e., stepping forward, stepping sideways, and stepping backward onto it. Resistance bands moving your foot in all 4 directions (easiest if someone else holds the band) Lunges on the Bosu ball Wall sits Stretches Foam roller Ice massage BTW, I've seen the BOSU ball at Linens and Things - I wonder if you could use the 20% off coupons they always send out . . . Just a thought.

Run hills. High as possible. Mostly steep.

Run hills. High as possible. Mostly steep.

Post a picture of your legs, man. Show them you're the Guru.

Look at those freakish things. Get your wife to take a picture from the back. A close up. Just add a content warning to the post. You don't want to scare the children.

Those aren't calves. They're steers!

*chokes* Trent, I have to ask...as one large-calved runner to another...do you have a hard time finding jeans that aren't too snug through your calves? I HATE this trend towards skinny jeans--long live boot cuts!