Lee Priest believes bodybuilders today are overlooking calf training. On April 21, 2026, he explained how to perform the calf raise for a pump and provided insight into reps and rest times.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Lee Priest cemented himself as a world-class talent in the Men’s Open division. He never secured the Mr. Olympia title, but gave dominant champions a run for their money. Despite his shorter stature, Priest still managed to defeat eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman on seven occasions.
The Australian native no longer competes actively but watches the sport closely in retirement. However, training is still his number one priority. And according to Priest, judges today have ignored the calves, prompting him to lay out a system that helps grow them quickly and effectively.
Lee Priest Shares How to Build Calves With Full Range of Motion and High Volume
In the YouTube video, Priest shared his calf raise training approach. He said to pursue as many reps as possible. Once the calves are pumped, perform ‘little ones’ or partial reps for an extra burn.
“With calf raises, just go for as many reps as you can until they really burn. If I do full reps, like that, when they really burn bad, you’ll get to the point where they are that pumped, where you can start doing little ones at the very end, but until that point, make sure you get full range of motion, up and down, up and down.”
During workouts, Priest always aims for a few hundred reps spread across a handful of sets.
“And reps, I actually aim for 50-100. And then, maybe have a minute break. But if you go and do 100, and they’re burning, don’t stop, just sort of get to here and maybe just do this, shake the leg, and then just go back if you get to 100. Have about a minute break, and then aim for another 100,” said Lee Priest.
At 52 years old, he boasts impressive longevity, and his workout tips are proven thanks to years of battles onstage. Presenting a balanced physique wasn’t by accident; Priest paid close attention to muscle imbalances. He stressed that imbalances are impossible to avoid, but that many are not noticeable.
“I wouldn’t really worry about it that much unless it’s totally like I said, missing. You’re not going to notice. As for what to take [for torn muscles], people say deca for joints sometimes or growth hormone can heal shit quicker but I think you just got to rest,” shared Priest.
Priest believes calf training is a non-negotiable, especially for high-level bodybuilders. He notes that high reps and a full range of motion are key to lasting progress.
RELATED: Lee Priest Reveals the Best Tip to Make Your Arms Look Huge


