Tibialis anterior & squats?

Ms_LisaKay

I was hoping squats would beef my calves, but I am seeing tibialis ant development instead. Is this unusual or expected?

kikichewie

Makes sense to me, as your knee comes forward toward the toes and the ankle flexes. Assuming you're keeping your heels down, you wouldn't really be hitting your calves. Try calf presses. Or if you're not lifting heavy, you could top off a squat by coming up on your toes.

hrobjordan

Try calf raises(with or without weights). Pretty much anything on your tip toes will help

Ms_LisaKay

Thanks for the replies! Yeah, I figured raises for calves, but not really "there" yet (cutting weight phase for another 30# or so, then will actively work on sculpting, don't see the point if I am just gonna lose the muscle tissue anyhow). I guess I was/am surprised to see as much "pop" as I am on the front of my legs. Keeping my heels down apparently makes a big impact!