HUGE Calf Muscles

mirabelk

Alrighty - quick background: I'm overweight and basically have been my whole life. That said, my lower legs have always been trim and genetically, I've inherited overly large calves. Now I'm making a committed effort to put more fitness into my life but have encountered difficulty when it comes to walking - pain in my calves and sometimes even pins and needles on the sides of my legs after several miles...it's as if the muscle is just too large and cannot possibly get any larger, so exercising it is difficult.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

I'm beginning to think a trip to the doctor is needed, but what on earth could she tell me? When you walk, try not to use your legs! lol

LoraF83

If you think that your calf muscles are refusing to let you exercise because they don't want to get bigger - you're wrong.

The fact is, your body just isn't used to exercise. And you're probably wearing bad shoes and/or using bad form and/or trying to do too much too soon.

If you lose weight, your calves will get smaller. Trust me, no matter how muscular you think they are, with 75lbs left to lose, you absolutely have fat on your calves. I have large calves and they have only gotten smaller since I started working out. You are not going to lose weight everywhere else on your body but get bigger on your calves. It just doesn't work like that.

So, my advice:
1. Slow down your speed.
2. Get fitted for shoes
3. Gradually build up your distance (adding about 0.25 miles per week, or whatever feels comfortable).
4. Stretch after your walk

Sunnyjb

Could be building lactic acid. Talk to your dr, ask for a Physical Therapy referral

tubzzy77

First off I'm jealous of your calve muscle. I wish I was blessed by the gods and had overly large sexy calves. Second, I don't think its your calve muscles that are giving you this problem it. If anything it might have to do with your shoe and or foot. I believe you want to see a podiatrist who can offer you some advice.

ArroganceInStep

it's as if the muscle is just too large and cannot possibly get any larger, so exercising it is difficult.

I promise you this isn't the case.

Depending on how much overweight you are, walking for extended periods can cause pain. Try swimming, elliptical, or cycling and see if you still have pain.

nicola1141

Pain your calves and pins and needles in your feet is not unusual for beginners to exercise. I agree with others - get fitted for a good shoe, take it easy. I also have wide feet and have found lacing my shoes like this:

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/shoes/how-to-lace-your-shoe/482.html

to be extremely helpful in reducing numbness in my feet.

DavPul

typically that's just a circulation issue that goes away as you develop endurance. i wouldn't get too frustrated about it.