Making your calve muscle stronger?

I've been using the stairs to strengthen my calves but my dad cussed and screamed tonight for touching the banister with "my dirty hands". I need some other calve strengthening exercises. I'm 19 years old and my family isn't supportive of me working out; I get called fat all the time;  I'm 5'1.5" and 120 pounds just trying to tone up. Thanks for any advice.

Personally, I would get one of those dusting gloves to put on the 'banister hand' and keep on doing it...

OR

You could be a little less obnoxious and do calve raises.  You start on a step (or curb or whatever) on just the balls of your feet so your heels are hanging off and do tippy toes and come back down till your foot is flat.

See the reason I do it on the stairs and hold on to the banister is that I have an inner ear disorder so my balence isn't the best. He doesn't get mad at my mom but he screams at me. Oh well I think I'm going to drop out of college and get a full time job so that I don't have to live here anymore.

i run backwards on the treadmill on a high incline

on my running team we sand facing a wall, a little bit away with feet shoulder width apart, and then do the toe raises (using the wall for balance)

*warning-- we do these in small amounts since calves are fairly easy to strain

my calves are wicked, and all i do is walk, hike, and run in hilly, rough terrain.

Calve raise, rest a day, calve raise, rest a day, calve raise, rest a day, rest a day.

Yes, just 3 times a week.

Face two chairs back to back with enough space for you to stand between and comfortably hold (lightly touch) on to the top of the back rests. Try not to do any work using your arms. You can also do this in the doorway, just use the door frame for balance.

Start with both legs 10 reps x 3 sets and go from there.

I'm up to 20 reps x 1 set, single leg with 50 lbs backpack (be careful when using weights, best not to use heavy weights if not sure). But that's about it for me. Afraid more weight will result in hurting my spine. Or the floor, if the backpack rips.

Honestly, I feel like stopping, as my calve are quite big from doing this, but I can cycle up hills like it's nothing. (could be because of my thighs too)

Original Post by corinth13:

See the reason I do it on the stairs and hold on to the banister is that I have an inner ear disorder so my balence isn't the best. He doesn't get mad at my mom but he screams at me. Oh well I think I'm going to drop out of college and get a full time job so that I don't have to live here anymore.

Wow, sounds like your calves are the least of your problems! Your family sound like jerks. Before you drop out of college entirely to get out of the house, try talking to the administration there to see if they can help you find a place to live while remaining a student. I am on staff at a university, and we frequently are able to help students out when they are having serious problems.

Anyway, I got my strong calves just from walking up and down hills. I can't find tall boots that fit now, though :(

Original Post by theholla:

Original Post by corinth13:

See the reason I do it on the stairs and hold on to the banister is that I have an inner ear disorder so my balence isn't the best. He doesn't get mad at my mom but he screams at me. Oh well I think I'm going to drop out of college and get a full time job so that I don't have to live here anymore.

Wow, sounds like your calves are the least of your problems! Your family sound like jerks. Before you drop out of college entirely to get out of the house, try talking to the administration there to see if they can help you find a place to live while remaining a student. I am on staff at a university, and we frequently are able to help students out when they are having serious problems.

Anyway, I got my strong calves just from walking up and down hills. I can't find tall boots that fit now, though :(

 I completely agree. Even if you drop down to part-time college, don't drop out completely. You just need help trying to manage your life. I would definitely make plans to move out though. That kind of environment is not healthy.