Hi James,

I was wondering if you had any advice on exercises for calf muscles to compliment the strength training program. I have occasional issues with cramps when having to get back on the bike with the push back on or clipping in. It is exasperated if I have to walk up many, usually very steep hills. It seems to be when I have tired a bit and used those muscles considerably more than usual.

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This is a really common question. The real answer is not to make your calves stronger but to get them looser. I’d bet that your calves are pretty tight and so they will fatigue and cramp faster than they should. Just trying to make them stronger will actually add to the excessive tension and may make it worse!

Use a foam roller or a, better yet, a tennis ball and roll those calves out and you’ll get far less cramping in them.

Ride Strong,

James Wilson