Big calves

clewliss

I'm looking to lose at least 30lbs and I want to exercise and watch my diet, but I have big calves and I don't want to do anything to make them bigger! I like to walk, but I've read that walking can actually make them larger and running/jogging is better. I've read to avoid hills or inclines (I live in mountains. I have a treadmill and an elliptical machine and again, I've read that those can be bad for calves. I'm struggling with this because I want to exercise to lose weight, but I need advice from anyone who has this problem. I can't even wear boots because my calves measure a whopping 18-19". I weigh 210

DrLauraDVM16

I have huge calves even when I'm thin. Nothing seems to make a difference. I don't do calf-specific exercises, other than stretching, but other than that I don't think about them when I work out. I do walking, hiking, running, and weightlifting...like I said, they don't get bigger, they don't get smaller. Don't even worry about them.

astrampe

You weigh 210 - if you lose body fat, your calves will lose the layer of fat around them, if your body fat is distributed like mine (small upper body, tiny waist and most of the fat stuck on my butt and legs). you will see smaller calves soon....
You will have to do lots of strength training to make your calves bigger....

Both running and walking will help burn calories, which will lessen the fat around your calves...Mine measured 19 inched when I weighed 227, and is now 16 inches at 175. Still big, but muscular and shapely with a smaller layer of fat.... And I do lift heavy weights and run and walk a LOT....
Don't avoid running, walking, inclines or hills or any other exercise - it will help you get smaller.....

MoiAussi93

if you lose fat your calves will get smaller. They may always be larger than you like, but they will definitely get smaller than 18-19". I also have huge muscular calves, and they have gotten much better. They are still 15", but I fit most boots now. Also, I am still about 10 pounds from goal and think they will get a little smaller by the time I reach it...There is a lot of muscle there, but also a layer of fat over the muscle.

Don't avoid walking! I do calf raises to strengthen mine to help prevent running injuries. When I slack off, I get injured. And the exercise has not made my calves bigger. Has the muscle grown at all? I don't know. But even if it has, the fat covering it has gotten much smaller so overall the calf size is shrinking/

clewliss

Thank you all for your replies! It's so encouraging to hear from you

mommarnurse

I suffer from LCS, too. Hang in there. Don't be afraid to work out those legs. Cardio is going to be your BFF with only 30 lbs to lose. Run. Its awesome. I swear lol.