What is good genetics for big calves?

Calves have been the most stubborn part of my body to build muscle in. It is said if you have poor genetics, your calves won't grow as much as you desire them to. However, what is good genetics for big calves, and how can you tell if you have them?

Replies

  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    Calves have been the most stubborn part of my body to build muscle in. It is said if you have poor genetics, your calves won't grow as much as you desire them to. However, what is good genetics for big calves, and how can you tell if you have them?
    you could tell because you'd have them and wouldnt have to work at them besides the everyday walking, running etc.
  • monty619
    monty619 Posts: 1,308 Member
    thought i had poor genetics for calves until i started running daily, jumping rope, and doing calf exercises 3x a week.. didnt really put extra effort into it i just raised the frequency and they grew... stereotypically "bad calf" genetics are those of high insertions or a smaller "ball" of the calf usually can found on sprinters legs... but if they are stubborn u just have to work em more and for some people they just grow.
  • einzweidrei
    einzweidrei Posts: 381 Member
    You would know if you have the genes for big calves if you were like me and:

    -Have big calves without working out.
    -Have big ankles. (That's right. I have cankles.)
    -Couldn't buy half of the boots out there b/c they are too tight on your calf.
    -Hated that the biggest part of your calf is about the same size as the smallest part of your thigh.
    -Have had multiple people comment on how big your calves are for your body since you are "so much thinner" everywhere else. (My BMI is 20.2.)
    -No fat anywhere. They just are.
  • jamd95
    jamd95 Posts: 21 Member
    Also remember that when you are training calves go for high reps (12-20) due to the nature of the muscle and the range of motion in calf excercises. If you train any muscle for long enough and with effort they will grow :)
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,078 Member
    As mention, how the muscle inserts will determine the type of shape one will end up with. Some end up with the high calf and not too much can be done to make the whole calf bigger.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • Chadomaniac
    Chadomaniac Posts: 1,785 Member
    As mention, how the muscle inserts will determine the type of shape one will end up with. Some end up with the high calf and not too much can be done to make the whole calf bigger.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    Yes its all about the muscle insertions . Although I do believe the size can be improved drastically through lots of isolated calve exercises over time together with adequate nutrition