Calves

Annabelle2

Cathlete
Well, I was trying on boots this weekend and it is very noticeable that my left calf is quite smaller than my right one. I had never noticed it before but when I got home I checked it out in the mirror and it is noticeable. I am sure I favor my right foot because I had an accident when younger had 64 stiches in my left foot. It is flat and a whole size smaller than my right. My question is what is the best way to build my left calve? I could obviously do more reps with it but it will take a lot of time. Anyone have any suggestions?
 
Hi Annabelle! Calves are so genetic and hard to make large changes with. And if it is additionally compromised by an injury, this will make it even more difficult. This is not to suggest you give up trying at all, rather to let you know that if after you have tried with all your might to develop your left calf and still see no difference, that you probably can cut back on trying so hard and stick to a general program for them. Just to share a similar situation......after I had my ACL reconstruction on my left knee, some of the nerve endings were cut in my left leg and the ability of my left calf to develop to that of my right calf is no longer the same at all. My left calf is smaller now. I have tried to improve my left calf's size however, while I see improvements, they are quite subtle. But this was just my situation and there is no need to think you are in the same boat. The only way to know that for sure, is to check with your doctor.

If you want to work your left calf hard and see what happens over time, I suggest doing additional sets of calf raises with your left leg only and have a weight in your left hand while doing it. Go slow and heavy. You can lightly touch a wall to help keep your balance while doing all your reps. The best bet would be to use calf machines that allow you to work each leg individually, but many people don'y have access to these unless they belong a gym. Good luck!
 
Cathe, thank you so much for responding! I will take your advice and try the extra reps with the weight and see what that does for me.

Thank you again!
 

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