Do you think my calf size can decrease?

Options
2»

Replies

  • Vailara
    Vailara Posts: 2,454 Member
    Options
    Unfortunately, my calves have only gone down about 2 cm during about 20kg of weight loss. I don't know if that's typical or not! However, I did have larger than average, muscular calves when I was slimmer too, and usually couldn't wear wellies or high boots.
  • AwesomeSquirrel
    AwesomeSquirrel Posts: 632 Member
    Options
    Unfortunately, my calves have only gone down about 2 cm during about 20kg of weight loss. I don't know if that's typical or not! However, I did have larger than average, muscular calves when I was slimmer too, and usually couldn't wear wellies or high boots.

    At least your calves are shrinking though - and it seems like that goes for a lot of people. I will definitely keep tracking my calves in hope that they will show some reduction in a month or two!
  • cld111
    cld111 Posts: 300 Member
    Options
    I feel your pain. I have giant calves, and it's so hard to find boots that fit. :sad:
  • SanteMulberry
    SanteMulberry Posts: 3,202 Member
    Options
    I've fallen in love with a pair of wellington boots. The only problem is that their calf circumference is listed at 39 cm and I'm at 41 cm, I tried them on today and they do not fit (wearing 15DEN tights so practically bare skin). To wear them with skinny jeans tucked in or similar I'm guessing I'd want a circumference of 37 cm at most.

    I weigh 98.5 kg right now and I'm looking to lose about 20kg more - however I have not tracked my calf size as I have been losing so I have no idea if my calves have shrunk or if they are likely to. I do a fair amount of running and yoga and I have noticed that my calves are a lot "sharper" looking and defined these days but I wouldn't say they look any smaller than when I weighed 140kg.

    I understand that I can't spot reduce, what I'm looking for here is experience from the rest of you - have your calves shrunk? Did you replace the fat with muscle but stayed the same size? What size are your calves at their widest point (esp. ladies around 5'9"/176cm)?

    Other than long distance running (which will slim down your leg muscles as opposed to sprinting, which will build them up), there is one other thing to try. I lost inches off my calf muscles (without losing any weight) when I got my gait corrected with orthotics in my shoes. When I asked my podiatrist recently if he knew why this was so, he explained that I was previously "overworking" my calf muscles with every step I took (I was "pronating" too much with my feet) and once that was corrected, the muscles that had previously been "overdeveloped" slimmed right down. Before the gait-correction, I would often get cramps in my calves after a day of a lot of walking. Now, my calf muscles don't bother me anymore---it's my arthritis. :ohwell: :laugh:
  • Lupercalia
    Lupercalia Posts: 1,857 Member
    Options
    I've not lost much off my calves--maybe an inch? That's about it. I've always had muscular calves and tall boots were always rather iffy for me, even at my lowest weight. I'd make sure to try them on before you drop £135, regardless of your measurements.
  • AwesomeSquirrel
    AwesomeSquirrel Posts: 632 Member
    Options

    Other than long distance running (which will slim down your leg muscles as opposed to sprinting, which will build them up), there is one other thing to try. I lost inches off my calf muscles (without losing any weight) when I got my gait corrected with orthotics in my shoes. When I asked my podiatrist recently if he knew why this was so, he explained that I was previously "overworking" my calf muscles with every step I took (I was "pronating" too much with my feet) and once that was corrected, the muscles that had previously been "overdeveloped" slimmed right down. Before the gait-correction, I would often get cramps in my calves after a day of a lot of walking. Now, my calf muscles don't bother me anymore---it's my arthritis. :ohwell: :laugh:

    Thank you, that is really good advice. My running is slow and steady (and sort-of-far for me, just did a half marathon), definitely not a sprinter. My running shows are currently supposed to help with over-pronation but I will replace them soon and will be sure to do so at a specialist store with gait testing (several in my area, service free of charge) to be sure I find the best fit for me.
  • crazy4fids
    crazy4fids Posts: 173
    Options
    I am 5"9" and currently weigh 168lbs. My starting weight was 185 and back then, my calves were 14". Because I have been running and lifting weights, they have grown .5 inch. My legs have always been in great shape as I worked in a big box home improvement store and did a lot of walking during my shift.

    As far as the boots go, are they leather? Maybe you could have them stretched?
  • DawnieB1977
    DawnieB1977 Posts: 4,248 Member
    Options
    I've lost about 2 inches off my calves and can finally wear high boots! They were about 41cm and are now 36/37 (one is slightly bigger!). I'm a UK 12.(US 8) mainly, and 5'6.

    I bought the boots in Jan after 18 months of hard work! I do personal training, spinning, Zumba and aerobics. Plus I work as a teacher and stand on my feet a lot. I guess the loss is just a combination of all that.
  • pkw58
    pkw58 Posts: 2,038 Member
    Options
    I lost from my calfs big time- my boots are now ridiculously big around my calfs and can only wear them with jeans tucked in
  • arlenem1974
    arlenem1974 Posts: 437 Member
    Options
    sure it can mine has. At my heaviest my calf was 17.25 in and now 60 lbs. lighter its 14.75 in.
  • AwesomeSquirrel
    AwesomeSquirrel Posts: 632 Member
    Options
    sure it can mine has. At my heaviest my calf was 17.25 in and now 60 lbs. lighter its 14.75 in.

    Wow that is so encouraging, and well done on your loss :smile:
  • daydream_believer
    daydream_believer Posts: 332
    Options
    i have little fat on my calves but cannot wear skinny jeans without the seams tearing because my muslces are that big. it is so humiliating because they are almost the same size as my thighs!
    wish you could chose where to put your muscle and fat!! haha
  • jestersand
    jestersand Posts: 61 Member
    Options
    My calves shrunk significantly after dropping weight. I bought a nice pair of black suede boots a couple of years back which fit fine. Now they are loose and slide down. I stay away from working the calves and stretch them a lot. I think I saw the drop in my calve width within a 30lb drop.
  • elfpearl
    elfpearl Posts: 191
    Options
    I curse my big calves frequently...although I have heard people say good sized calf muscles can mean you're less likely to get shin splints, so there's that. Anyway, yes, I did notice a small reduction in my calf size...about 1 1/2 inches total I would say, and I've lost about 15 lbs.
  • StephanieCo3
    StephanieCo3 Posts: 122 Member
    Options
    I think it depends on how much weight you have to lose. If you lose a significant amount your calf size will decrease. I have always had trouble with high boots, I usually do fit in them, but it's generally really tough. Even in highschool when I ran cross country, I would just walk the hills if the coach wasn't looking, not cuz I was lazy but I didn't want more calf muscle. I still avoid hills and incline treadmills, it's a better workout so losing more weight is worth it probably, but I have always considered my legs too big.
  • ZETAZEN
    ZETAZEN Posts: 46 Member
    Options
    sure it can mine has. At my heaviest my calf was 17.25 in and now 60 lbs. lighter its 14.75 in.

    Wowsers...I pray this happens to me. I'm having a time finding pants and jeans that have skinny legs. I know I can fit them in the waist, but just can't pull the dang pants up to make it to my waist. I've had large calves since I was a teenager. Couldn't wear boots. It's depressing.
  • yanniejannie
    yanniejannie Posts: 1,090 Member
    Options
    Thanks for bringing this up!! My daughter left a pair of her boots here for me to wear when she went back to college after Christmas break. I wore them a couple times early Jan. and stopped as I couldn't live with the fact that I couldn't get the zipper up the last 2". I just tried them (thanks to your post!!!) and they fit fine now. I've lost 16lbs. if that's any help to what you are trying to figure out.
    Too bad it's way too warm for them now.................

Categories