Just a query about calves........

B

Bernard

Cathlete
Hi All,

Just wondering if anyone can answer my query on calves ? Is it possible for women to bulk up their calves through doing aerobics, whether it be Cathe's hi impact, or low impact, or even different intensity step ? Or, do you think because we ladies can't bulk, workouts will give us shapely calves that look nice when we walk down the street ?
I am just wondering becuse I don't want bulky calves - I just need some reassurance, please ....

Many Thanks

Anna :)
 
Okay, not an expert or anything, but I don't think you can bulk your calves, and I'll tell you why.
I do some cardio tapes by Charlene Prickett, and she's been doing aerobics for like 20 years, and she's mentioned in her video that she doesn't have nice calf muscles. So with all the aerobics she's done and still does, if her calves haven't bulked, and clearly she wanted them to, then I don't think they will just from aerobics.
I would think you'd have to really concentrate on building them up through resistance training in order to get some bulk to them.

Now, I could be wrong, but from everything I've read, few women really have to worry about bulking anywhere. We aren't suppose to have enough testosterone to really bulk.

Donna

Fitness~ it's a journey, not a race!
 
Just my 2 cents but .. wouldn't the same principles apply to the calf muscle that apply to other muscles? Higher weight, fewer reps or any of Cathe's strength workouts for calves should help. I have skinny calves too so will focus on building up .. but it's not a priority right now. Arms and tummmy now :)

dee c.
 
I remember hearing more than once that the calf size is very genetically inflexible relative to other muscles. It is hard to grow them if they are small, even lots of body-building guys have skinny bird-leg calves. And if you have big ones, they're big.

This is my experience from my friends also. The calves seem to be hard to change in either direction. Of course, if you have fat all over them, presumably you could get rid of that, but the muscle size seems inflexible.

I'm sure I'm wrong about this, but someone will jump in and correct me.
 
I think that calf size is also largely genetic. I have calves that are so big I look silly in high heels. Of course, I have little short compact legs as well, but cardio alone seems to keep my calves "bulky". Also, most women don't carry much fat on that portion of their legs, especially if they are active, so I know it is not fat bulk...

Janice
 
I have big calves too and think it's genetic. I have noticed that as I've lost weight my calves seem a little smaller (maybe it's my imagination) but they're still large. Nothing has ever seemed to make them smaller. Even when I was very very skinny I still had large calves. So I think it's mostly genetics.
 
The only calve weight work I do is in Pure Strength. My calves have always been big, whether I'm skinny or heavier. I think a lot of it is genetics and body build in general. I'm never afraid to work them, though, as I've gotten lots of compliments from men and women. I figure any muscle that's strong and toned has got to be a benefit.
Lynn
 
RE: Thankyou !

Thanks All,

I feel a bit better now about my Calves - they have always been on the slim side, especially my ankles. They have a layer of fat on them but hopefully they will tone up when I lose the weight.

You have all put my mind at rest !

Anna :)
 
Maybe someone already answered this way.....(I usually read everyones post but I have to go work out in a few minutes so I don't have time)
This month in Muscle and fitness hers, a lady asked the same question.(I will type what was in the book)
"genetics play a major role in the size of your calf muscles.As for what makes them bigger then the genetic endowment,muscle growth usually results from resistance training,and you would have to be using some pretty heavy weights to bulk up your calves to this point.Try going lighter or take it out altogether.Women also make the mistake of stepping on the balls of their feet, which keep the calve muscles in a constant contraction.Instead try keeping your heels down so that you aren't always emphasizing your calves".
Has for my calves....Genetics....
Hope I helped,
Lori
 
I've always had very skimpy calves, and am forever looking for ways to bulk them up. I'm short (5'1 3/4"), with long legs and I'm very short-waisted, and I've been using the 3 types of calf exercises Cathe uses in PS Legs (the one on the 2X4, the one where you sit down, place a barbell on your lap and raise your toes - added resistence, and the exercise where you hold one dumbell while one foot is on the stool and the other working leg is raising) whenever I can manage, and I'm finally seeing some major definition in my calves for the 1st time in my life. I'm SO envious of those of you with developed calves, I'm trying my hardest to get there, and it's incredibly hard.
 
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