Calf muscle size

T

Traildoggie

Cathlete
Hi. I'm new around here and the question is large calves. I'm 5'3. they are 16 inches around. not fat just muscular and are quite out of proportion. I've been exercising a long time, mostly running and hiking. I've been doing Cathe for a few months now, in addition to running, stationary bike, and elliptical. my calves blew up in size when I was 12-13 years old. nothing I've done ever changed them a bit, including millions of calf raises, weight loss etc. I've given up on the idea that they can be smaller, I just don't want them bigger. It's hard to find pants/capris that don't get "stuck" on them when I sit down.

Are there exercises or routines I should avoid? I love KPC, & the high step DVD's. I use no more than a 25 lb barbell, 8-10 lb dumbbells. I think I could go up in weight on the barbell but ??
 
IMO, most of calf size (and shape) is genetic. If you don't have much or any fat to lose over the area, then there's not much you can do to make it smaller. I've always had large calves...we're probably the envy of those body builders who try so hard to build theirs, but can't, and end up getting implants.
 
I, too, have large calves! It seems to be a genetic thing because my mom has them, too. I had a bodybuilder friend tell me she do ANYTHING for my calves!! I don't love them - it makes buying boots a bear - and I don't work them specifically to avoid building any more muscle. They do get worked out a bit in step aerobics, running, and walking my dog.

Regards,
Liz
 
Boots? are you kidding? I gave up on boots ages ago. I'm short, have relatively small feet. so getting on a size 7 boot is not gonna happen. even ones with gussets and zippers. I'm worried weight training might increase muscle size when I've already got twice as much as I should.
 
I posted the same question probably 6 months ago because I have the same problem. Looks like it's just our luck to be born this way. A former bodybuilder boyfriend told me I had "huge" calves, but he meant it as a compliment! Try "stretch" material boots, without zippers; they are the only ones I can wear too. Good luck!
Paula
 
I understand because I also have large calves.

They started growing large when I took gymnastics in school. They along with my quads have never been small since then. I hope straight leg jeans do not make a comeback. I even catch some of my 80 year old patients checking out my calves :-( . I try not to do calve raises. The good thing is that I have very little cellulite (sp?) on my legs. I think that it is genetic because my mom had the same type of legs, and she never exercised.
 
I've heard calf raises done without extra weight and loads of reps may trim them and not increase size but I did millions of them ( in the past) and measured and it made no difference either plus or minus. I mostly skip specific calf exercises.
Yipes. No, straight leg jeans have no place in my closet. Can't get the thighs past my calves. :(
 
Truly, you can get stretchy fabric boots that work. I got a pair from Donald Pliner a couple of years back, and they look almost like suede. You kind of 'roll' them up like pantyhose, but they do work and look nice. I was so thrilled to have found them - I thought I'd never be able to wear boots again!! (Well, I do have a cute pair of cowboy boots, too...)
 
I have big calves too and love boots. I've been able to find some with extended calf sizes on Ann Taylor Loft's website. They fit perfect. Eddie Bauer carries some as well.
 
I'm so jealous of all of you. I have the skinniest calves ever.

I've tried everything to increase the size of my calves, but no luck.

And boots? Are you kidding me? Never has a boot fit my leg the way they're supposed to - they are always HUGE on me. Once, I took a pair to a shoe repair shop and they took them in for me, but I still hated the way they looked because they just emphasized my skinny little calves!

I would give anything to have bigger calves!

Joyce
 
I have the same problem...I think it is genetic, I've had no luck trying to change it! I workout 6 days per week for about 2 hours at a time (I'm a full time fitness instructor & trainer)...and nothing I've tried works! Good luck
 
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