is calf size more genetic?

jsdouglas26

I'm in the same boat as you and yes they are for the most part genetic . I just measured mine at 12" and looking at my brother and father they are the same. I'm hoping to add some muscle with weights

brtrentgl

Omg 11.25" calves are tiny. Mine are 18.5 . I'm the only one in my family with big calves, would like to lose a few inches off them though

runner2runner

Calf size and shape is about 95% genetic. Generally if most members of your family (especially if it's one or both of your parents) have large muscular calves, then you'll most likely also have them. Likewise if they have small calves, then you're more than likely to have small calves too. Unfortunately I'm in the latter situation. My dad and most of the males in my immediate and extended family have small calves and as a result I have small calves too (13"). And to be honest I don't like them. I wish they could be bigger but I know there's not much I can do. I work them like crazy in the gym. I do calf raises at least 3 times a week with medium to heavy weights but they just won't go beyond that tiny 13". Granted, they're very muscular and very defined but that's as much as I'll get.

rainghirl

I've always had large (and muscular not fat) calves even when I was in my 20s and weighed 135 lbs. I'm at 144lbs now and they are still pretty large at 15". I put it down to genetics and the fact that my Dad had us cycling loads when we were kids! My thighs on the other hand are rather thin in comparison - but I'm working on them, doing squats etc to get more muscle.

brtrentgl

After losing 10 lbs mine actually are a little bigger

janeite1990

I think it is mostly genetics, but I've also heard (could be bro science) that calf size is partly determined by body weight. The idea is that calves get worked when you walk around, so bigger bodies build bigger calf muscles for walking. Lighter people usually have smaller calves (proportionally) because theirs don't carry as much weight. So, if you want to build them, you'll have to increase the weight you apply to them.

sbailey27

I think genetics because of average weight but my calves are smaller than most people

LisaMia66

Genetics plays a huge part. My husband always says he doesn't have calves, he has cows. :laugh: He also has huge forearms. He NEVER lifts weights. Seriously. He's been this way his whole life. His dad was built pretty much the same way and all the men on his side of the family are built the same. Our youngest daughter is built like her dad too, well not the forearm part but she has big thighs and big calves (not freakishly big).

misskerouac

You can have mine.
I effing hate them.
I can be 190lbs or 150 lbs, they are the same damn size....huge.

starrchiild

It has everything to do with genetics. In almost all cases a Dexter calf is going to be considerably smaller then a Chianina calf.

JUDDDing

You can have mine.
I effing hate them.
I can be 190lbs or 150 lbs, they are the same damn size....huge.

This...

They are a hassle. I can't wear boots any more (they push down the tops and make them slouch). They hurt when you clamp on downhill ski boots. They ruin longer socks (stretch the tops and make them slide down). You can't roll your pant legs up....

But if you really want them - develop a habit of doing calf raises whenever you are bored, standing in line, etc.