Ever since I can remember I've had large muscular calves. I took tap and dance class for about a year when I was 6 years old. Could that have done it? Would stretching after my workouts help to slim them up? I'm only 5ft tall. I've been told that some women would kill to have the muscles I have in my legs - they can have them. Also, my quads and hamstrings have always been muscular or very easy for me to shape them. Any advice?
Help - I have large calves.
- Thread starter KimDW
- Start date
Not alot of advice here but I know how you feel.I actually posted a question to Cathe once about the matter.It seems to be that her calves have slimmed down a fair bit since her first videos.
My mom as bigger legs and I think thats where I get them from.Cathe advised me that you really can't do anything about legs that have been handed down
but there maybe things that you can do for them,you just have to find what works for your body.I still haven't found what magically works for my calves but instead I try to appreciate what they do for me and try not to beat myself up for something that I probably can't do anything about.
Lori
My mom as bigger legs and I think thats where I get them from.Cathe advised me that you really can't do anything about legs that have been handed down
but there maybe things that you can do for them,you just have to find what works for your body.I still haven't found what magically works for my calves but instead I try to appreciate what they do for me and try not to beat myself up for something that I probably can't do anything about.Lori
Jennifit
Cathlete
Just my opinion...What exactly do you need advice about??? The only advice I could possible give is to CELEBRATE YOUR GREAT LEGS!!!!!!
I have defined calves and I love them!! People actually pay money and go through pain to get plastic calf inserts in their legs!! Just love your legs and all they do for you...and, how great they probably look in heels!
PS-Calves are very genetic...as well as abs. You would never have to work your calves out again and they still would maintain their basic shape. So, enjoy them!!! I rarely work my calves and they are there to stay...
Look at your legs and be proud of them, woman!
I have defined calves and I love them!! People actually pay money and go through pain to get plastic calf inserts in their legs!! Just love your legs and all they do for you...and, how great they probably look in heels!
PS-Calves are very genetic...as well as abs. You would never have to work your calves out again and they still would maintain their basic shape. So, enjoy them!!! I rarely work my calves and they are there to stay...
Look at your legs and be proud of them, woman!
Hi again, Kim!
You sound like you have a build similar to mine! I'm only 5'1", and my legs definitely tend to be muscular. My brother's friend calls me "Quadzilla!" Lately I've decided to do just what Jennifit says, celebrate my muscles! My legs have been shaped this way my whole life, long before I ever started working out. I used to be afraid to weight train for fear of getting more bulky. But listening to everyone on this great forum has taught me that that's exactly the opposite of what you should do! As women, we don't have the testosterone that men have to build big, bulky muscles. By working them as hard as we can, they actually get stronger and tighter and look great! Plus any extra muscle we build really works to burn those calories and keep the metabolism revved up! I have been trying to add some extra high-intensity cardio in, too, to get myself leaner so that you'll really be able to see the muscles and not just the "bigness." Looking at Cathe and the different members of her workout crews, you can see that even people that probably work out a lot more than we do have very different body types. Some are more muscular and some are long and lean. Your body type is something you're born with and something you can't really change; you can just work as hard as you can to make it the fittest and healthiest it can be! Thank goodness for Cathe!
-Marie
You sound like you have a build similar to mine! I'm only 5'1", and my legs definitely tend to be muscular. My brother's friend calls me "Quadzilla!" Lately I've decided to do just what Jennifit says, celebrate my muscles! My legs have been shaped this way my whole life, long before I ever started working out. I used to be afraid to weight train for fear of getting more bulky. But listening to everyone on this great forum has taught me that that's exactly the opposite of what you should do! As women, we don't have the testosterone that men have to build big, bulky muscles. By working them as hard as we can, they actually get stronger and tighter and look great! Plus any extra muscle we build really works to burn those calories and keep the metabolism revved up! I have been trying to add some extra high-intensity cardio in, too, to get myself leaner so that you'll really be able to see the muscles and not just the "bigness." Looking at Cathe and the different members of her workout crews, you can see that even people that probably work out a lot more than we do have very different body types. Some are more muscular and some are long and lean. Your body type is something you're born with and something you can't really change; you can just work as hard as you can to make it the fittest and healthiest it can be! Thank goodness for Cathe!
-Marie
kathryn
Cathlete
As a large-calved woman, I firmly believe that much of calf size is hereditary (otherwise, why would male bodybuilders have calf implants?). If you are carrying extra weight, you might be able to slim them down a bit, but otherwise, I would suggest avoiding activites that would tend to make them bigger, like heavy calf raises.
I recently saw a woman whose legs were quite slim, but whose calves looked just like she had softballs implanted in her legs! I guess both the shape and size of these is heriditary!
By the way, my calves are 14 1/2 inches around (and I wear a size 8 usually).
I recently saw a woman whose legs were quite slim, but whose calves looked just like she had softballs implanted in her legs! I guess both the shape and size of these is heriditary!
By the way, my calves are 14 1/2 inches around (and I wear a size 8 usually).
I guess I should be happy I don't have bird legs. I'm just always self conscous about my legs when I wear shorts or a skirt. One of the guys here where I work one day was standing behind me and he said "My God look at the size of those calves" I felt so embarrassed that I was speechless.
Thanks for the encouragement. I'd just like to say that I love this forum. All of the people posting here motivate me to try and be my best self and be happy with who I am. Thanks again!!
Kim
Thanks for the encouragement. I'd just like to say that I love this forum. All of the people posting here motivate me to try and be my best self and be happy with who I am. Thanks again!!
Kim
Count me in as another woman with big calves and legs that is happy with her body. My calves are 14" and I wear a size 4. I love the cut look that I get in my calves (and other parts of my body) from working with weights. A friend of my husband said that my legs looked like a cyclists because my quads were bulking up. I took it as a compliment that someone noticed that my muscles were bigger. Life is so much easier when I work with my genetics and body type instead of trying to achieve something that isnt possible for me.
If you dont want to build muscle on your calves, stay away from high heels. They tend to make your calves bigger and arent good for your feet.
If you dont want to build muscle on your calves, stay away from high heels. They tend to make your calves bigger and arent good for your feet.
StaceyDeLapp
Cathlete
It's nice to hear from so many people who have big calves. I used to hate my big calves. I think they are 14 1/2" but would have to measure to be sure--hard to remember, and I am a size 2. I have really come to accept them and especially like the way they look when I wear sandals with heals with shorts or skirts, but I am bothered when I wear tall boots and they are tight around the calf area. I wish they made more of a selection for women with big calves. I just don't feel like they look that great pulled tight across the calf area.
The size of your calves are really determined genetically. My husbands are so skinny! I think he's jealous of mine! What I notice more than anything, is that my measurement (in length) from knee to ankle is a bit short. His knee to ankle length is very long, and actually, our calves are about the same size. Just that added length really makes his look smaller. Since the muscle doesn't have as far to stretch on my leg, its bulkier.
I especially am happy with the way they look when I'm working out regularly as they are more lifted. I rarely work them on my weight training days with Cathe as they just don't need it. They get plenty from stepping. It's nice to take the break during those segments and stretch longer or whatever, and to be able to do it guilt-free knowing I really don't need it.
I have seen calves that have both the muscles really developed and are heart-shaped. I think they are so sexy, but the left-side of my muscle just won't pop out like that. Oh well.
The size of your calves are really determined genetically. My husbands are so skinny! I think he's jealous of mine! What I notice more than anything, is that my measurement (in length) from knee to ankle is a bit short. His knee to ankle length is very long, and actually, our calves are about the same size. Just that added length really makes his look smaller. Since the muscle doesn't have as far to stretch on my leg, its bulkier.
I especially am happy with the way they look when I'm working out regularly as they are more lifted. I rarely work them on my weight training days with Cathe as they just don't need it. They get plenty from stepping. It's nice to take the break during those segments and stretch longer or whatever, and to be able to do it guilt-free knowing I really don't need it.
I have seen calves that have both the muscles really developed and are heart-shaped. I think they are so sexy, but the left-side of my muscle just won't pop out like that. Oh well.
I, too, am a woman with big calves. But it has never been a problem for me. Since I was in high school, guys complimented me on my "great legs". My sister is a lean mean machine, but she has small calves... So, don't curse those great calve muscles, but use them for all you've got! There are people who would pay big bucks to have what you have "naturally".
Lynn
Lynn
