Calf Muscle

I've heard this question a few times this week, especially from a few people with calf or gastrocnemius muscle injuries.  Here is my 2 cents on how the three lower leg muscles (gastroc, soleus and tibialis posterior) should be trained.

First we need to discuss what the muscle is primarily used for (if we are going to train it "functionally" then we need to know what it does).  The lower limb muscles are primarily used for propulsion.  Alternatively they can be used for balance and proprioception and stability.  If we are going to train them in a functional capacity, then shouldn't we be training them for propulsion (or balance, proprioception and stability)?  This would include lunging, jumping, power lifting and plyometrics.

Secondly, why would you want to train calves in isolation?  Is there ever any movements that we do in isolation that we would need to train for?  (Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but I can't think of any).  Isolation exercises may be a benefit for body builders, but I do not see it being a benefit to the general population.

A huge pet peeve of mine is the seated calf raise machine.  I have a problem with this because it barely activates the calf (gastroc) muscle.  With knee bent (to 90 degrees while seated) almost all of the work is done by the soleus (and tibialis posterior).  My theory as to why this machine is so popular is because a)you can put large weights on it and make it look like you are doing a lot, and b)you can sit while using it!

So in my opinion, lower limb muscles should not be isolated.  Training should involve complex movements designed for whatever movement you do.