Can I work thighs w/out further developing calves?

justinejacksonm

Hey guys I'm not a pro bodybuilding because I'm generally not trying to bulk up, but I have tried to build and maintain some lean muscle mass in my butt and thighs, but I'm starting to notice my calves developing more than I would like. I'm wondering if part of the problem is that I stand all day at work but in the past this wasn't the case from doing lower body workouts so I'm frustrated. I don't want to forego doing lower body workouts in fear of making my calves even bigger because I still need to build or at least maintain muscle in my thighs. Any suggestions on what particular exercises to avoid that can work my butt and thighs without building muscle in my calves?

I use body weight and dumbbells only and workout at home- I do not have a machine.

Thanks!

sardelsa

Definitely avoid direct calf work. Standing and walking in high heels can also contribute (might not be an option to avoid though). Otherwise it is genetics unfortunately. I have the same issue. Most lower body exercises to build the legs and glutes don't stimulate the calves enough that I would ever recommend cutting them out. Unless you feel your calves working in a particular exercise, maybe modify or try another variation.

I have built up my legs and glutes and now my large calves are somewhat proportional to the rest. So that helps.

GratefulWayFarer

I wish I had your 'problem' tbh .

The best way to even all things out I've found is to stick to big compound exercises and not isolate muscles. So things like, clean and press, deadlift, squats (this is the king), bench press, overhead press and rowing. There are more but those are the common ones you can easily do at home.

If you're thinking squatting will develop the areas you mentioned.. It will, however it will make the other muscles in the 'chain' involved in achieving a squat catch up with the bigger ones, if there is any imbalance. Provided you do the exercise correctly. And nothing will look overly developed, unless you have a real genetic tendency leaning towards that.. Which will become more apparent as you progress.

Hope that helps, good luck!