Slimming My Calves
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This thread is stupid. Your calves are genetic God dammit.0
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I really wish there was such a thing -- but I know there is not. I have strong German legs, I've had them my entire life and I hate them. I even get mad if I see super obese people (way, way bigger than me) with small legs. Like, whyyyy do they have smaller legs if they are bigger than me!?
But. Alas. Not much to do other than work all over and pray they shrink. Ever since doing 30 Day Shred and starting Couch to 5K I have noticed that the calf area of my jeans is a bit looser -- I pray the trend continues. 30 Day Shred has heavy focus on squatting... so maybe that is helping? I just want to wear shorts without feeling like my legs are monstrous. Sigh. I suppose the losing weight all over is helping too.
I wish you the best of luck!
Edited for spelling fail.
I'm thinking of doing the 30 Day Shred. Is it a DVD?
Yes. Do this. 30 day shred is known to have magical muscle reducing powers.
Not sure if serious or screwing with me...
I'm not saying that it has magical muscle reducing powers -- I'm just saying I have seen improvement. Yeesh. Some people are so rude. OP: 30 Day Shred is a DVD program, yes.
My body fat percentage is also well above 30% and that might attribute to the loss I've seen. That's the one area I forgot to take measurements when I started the program. But, when I stand my legs too are pretty dang solid -- but if I'm losing it has to be fat not muscle. Just genes... I've had these since I was like 9 years old and I was in gymnastics and soccer.
We accept what we are given to the best of our ability.0 -
I'm not screwing with you, my legs are perfect. I do have very wide shoulders and my rib cage is immense, I also am apple shaped and carry my weight around my middle. I have no *kitten* or hips to speak of. I am quite happy despite all of this. I went to a family reunion and realized I was shaped like most of the women in the room. It's genetic. You cant fight it, but you can be healthy and in shape despite of how you think you should look. I am very happy with my level of health. I can run faster and longer than most people my age. I do the 30 day shred with ease. I couldn't have said that 6 months ago. I've worked hard for this body, such as it is, and it has taken me places I never thought I would go,0
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in to see when OP realizes that you cannot spot reduce.0
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in to see when OP realizes that you cannot spot reduce.
Waiting for commentator to realize, I'm talking about muscle not fat...
To the rest, so I can't do anything to make my bulky muscles go down at all because muscle in that area is genetic. Not even a little?0 -
Not fat dude. Muscle! Muscle from walking on my toes my entire child hood. :grumble:
I wish my calve muscles were bigger!! :devil:
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Not fat dude. Muscle! Muscle from walking on my toes my entire child hood. :grumble:
I wish my calve muscles were bigger!! :devil:
You wanna trade?0 -
in to see when OP realizes that you cannot spot reduce.
Waiting for commentator to realize, I'm talking about muscle not fat...
To the rest, so I can't do anything to make my bulky muscles go down at all because muscle in that area is genetic. Not even a little?
Would love to see pics of "bulk", for reference.0 -
Buy me a camera and I'll happily show you!0
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Buy me a camera and I'll happily show you!
Probably not.
Need to understand what "bulk" is before commenting.0 -
I'm not screwing with you, my legs are perfect. I do have very wide shoulders and my rib cage is immense, I also am apple shaped and carry my weight around my middle. I have no *kitten* or hips to speak of. I am quite happy despite all of this. I went to a family reunion and realized I was shaped like most of the women in the room. It's genetic. You cant fight it, but you can be healthy and in shape despite of how you think you should look. I am very happy with my level of health. I can run faster and longer than most people my age. I do the 30 day shred with ease. I couldn't have said that 6 months ago. I've worked hard for this body, such as it is, and it has taken me places I never thought I would go,
I think that comment applied to:Yes. Do this. 30 day shred is known to have magical muscle reducing powers.
OP was saying you were lucky! I'm jealous too :P Glad you are proud of your body because you definitely should be!
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In to see when OP realizes that you cannot spot reduce.in to see when OP realizes that you cannot spot reduce.
Waiting for commentator to realize, I'm talking about muscle not fat...
To the rest, so I can't do anything to make my bulky muscles go down at all because muscle in that area is genetic. Not even a little?
If you want to get rid of the muscles in your legs, cast them and sit in a wheelchair for a few months. That's pretty much the only way I can think of spot reducing muscle. In order to reduce the size of a muscle you need to:
a) go on a calorie deficit and hope for the best or
b) stop using those muscles.
On the plus side you don't need to worry about your muscles bulking on a calorie deficit. Since to grow a muscle you need a surplus of food.
Also I'm beginning to think this bulk you speak of is all in your head. Which is why everyone is asking for pictures. I've seen women complain about bulky muscles and their legs were smaller then mine.0 -
In to see when OP realizes that you cannot spot reduce.in to see when OP realizes that you cannot spot reduce.
Waiting for commentator to realize, I'm talking about muscle not fat...
To the rest, so I can't do anything to make my bulky muscles go down at all because muscle in that area is genetic. Not even a little?
If you want to get rid of the muscles in your legs, cast them and sit in a wheelchair for a few months. That's pretty much the only way I can think of spot reducing muscle. In order to reduce the size of a muscle you need to:
a) go on a calorie deficit and hope for the best or
b) stop using those muscles.
I'm not trying to get rid of the muscle. I'm trying to reduce the size of it. I've been saying the latter all along.0 -
This thread is making me dizzy. The only way to "shrink" muscle is to not use the muscle for an extended period of time. If you are not willing to do that then
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In to see when OP realizes that you cannot spot reduce.in to see when OP realizes that you cannot spot reduce.
Waiting for commentator to realize, I'm talking about muscle not fat...
To the rest, so I can't do anything to make my bulky muscles go down at all because muscle in that area is genetic. Not even a little?
If you want to get rid of the muscles in your legs, cast them and sit in a wheelchair for a few months. That's pretty much the only way I can think of spot reducing muscle. In order to reduce the size of a muscle you need to:
a) go on a calorie deficit and hope for the best or
b) stop using those muscles.
I'm not trying to get rid of the muscle. I'm trying to reduce the size of it. I've been saying the latter all along.
In order to reduce it, you have to get rid of it, that's what people are saying.0 -
In to see when OP realizes that you cannot spot reduce.in to see when OP realizes that you cannot spot reduce.
Waiting for commentator to realize, I'm talking about muscle not fat...
To the rest, so I can't do anything to make my bulky muscles go down at all because muscle in that area is genetic. Not even a little?
If you want to get rid of the muscles in your legs, cast them and sit in a wheelchair for a few months. That's pretty much the only way I can think of spot reducing muscle. In order to reduce the size of a muscle you need to:
a) go on a calorie deficit and hope for the best or
b) stop using those muscles.
Not to mention calves are "special" muscle- they're not like your quads or biceps or glutes- they're MUCH more dense and strong. They're relatively small muscles that can lift your bodyweight easily for endurance. To try to bulk them is difficult and requires different training protocol than the rest of your body- more reps. To reduce them? Idk.
Also....OP's are probably some fat, not massive muscle. The fat in that area can feel like it's muscle- hard kind of.0 -
To reduce the size of a muscle you would have to get rid of some of the muscle thus...statement still stands. I don't think you understand, people have already given you the only options I know of for reducing the size of a muscle. To reduce the size of a muscle, you need to atrophy it aka, stop using it so some of it can waste away.
In to see when OP realizes that you cannot spot reduce.in to see when OP realizes that you cannot spot reduce.
Waiting for commentator to realize, I'm talking about muscle not fat...
To the rest, so I can't do anything to make my bulky muscles go down at all because muscle in that area is genetic. Not even a little?
If you want to get rid of the muscles in your legs, cast them and sit in a wheelchair for a few months. That's pretty much the only way I can think of spot reducing muscle. In order to reduce the size of a muscle you need to:
a) go on a calorie deficit and hope for the best or
b) stop using those muscles.
I'm not trying to get rid of the muscle. I'm trying to reduce the size of it. I've been saying the latter all along.
To grow a muscle: hyperatrophy.0 -
I suspect this also. You have no idea how many people I've seen complain about their muscular legs when really they were fatty, but solid looking. It's not like there's a chunk of muscle and then a chunk of fat on top of it. They can layer (which they would notice if they eat meat), making many high fat legs look rather solid. That's why you can roast a pork shoulder for 10 hours without completely drying it out.
In to see when OP realizes that you cannot spot reduce.in to see when OP realizes that you cannot spot reduce.
Waiting for commentator to realize, I'm talking about muscle not fat...
To the rest, so I can't do anything to make my bulky muscles go down at all because muscle in that area is genetic. Not even a little?
If you want to get rid of the muscles in your legs, cast them and sit in a wheelchair for a few months. That's pretty much the only way I can think of spot reducing muscle. In order to reduce the size of a muscle you need to:
a) go on a calorie deficit and hope for the best or
b) stop using those muscles.
Not to mention calves are "special" muscle- they're not like your quads or biceps or glutes- they're MUCH more dense and strong. They're relatively small muscles that can lift your bodyweight easily for endurance. To try to bulk them is difficult and requires different training protocol than the rest of your body- more reps. To reduce them? Idk.
Also....OP's are probably some fat, not massive muscle. The fat in that area can feel like it's muscle- hard kind of.0 -
Actually, that might explain a lot...If it truly is fat that looks and feels like muscle how do you tell the difference?
BTW
I'm 5'5'', 178 lbs. My calf muscles are 16'' around. Female medium build.0 -
lose body fat % and if they get smaller, it was most likely fat I've lost 35lbs and my legs have gotten *smaller* but I'm still at 18 inches 0
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Actually, that might explain a lot...If it truly is fat that looks and feels like muscle how do you tell the difference?
BTW
I'm 5'5'', 178 lbs. My calf muscles are 16'' around. Female medium build.
Does it really matter if you cannot tell? Either way there's no way to spot reduce your legs. As you lose weight, they'll get smaller either way. I cannot think of any practical way to explain to you.
If they are muscular, you well see the distinct shape of your calf muscles (almost like upsidedown hearts). Examples:
If you cannot see those defined upsidedown hearts when you're just standing up straight, then you have plenty of fat to get rid of.0 -
5' 5" at 178lbs, unless you are a body builder, you have plenty of weight to lose. You calves will slim down in time when you lose body fat%. Don't stress out about it. Keep your diet at a deficit, make sure you are properly assessing your workout calories, and you will make progress. Everyone stores weight differently and everyones body type is different. You don't need to do anything excessive like atrophy your legs. In fact, I would keep working them out. When you lose the weight you'll be happy to have toned legs hiding underneath the fat.0
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I'm not screwing with you, my legs are perfect I do have very wide shoulders and my rib cage is immense, I also am apple shaped and carry my weight around my middle. I have no *kitten* or hips to speak of.
.....
It's genetic.
Are you related to me? LIke a 2nd cousin or something??
ETA: I've developed my glutes a bit from doing stronglifts and eating at a surplus though...0 -
Alrighty, CoderGal and bobbystronger, I think you two maybe onto something. Cause I couldn't see any contours. I see what you mean though. Well, now I do.
Anyhow, I thought spot reduction was only in regards to fat? :huh:0 -
People are answering you correctly. You can't spot reduce fat and if you want to atrophy the muscle you have to stop using them or have them surgically altered.0
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Glad you're seeing things now. And spot reduction usually means reducing inches from a spot. But as far as real things go, deficit to make smaller, heavy weights to get rid of a higher percentage of fat.Alrighty, CoderGal and bobbystronger, I think you two maybe onto something. Cause I couldn't see any contours. I see what you mean though. Well, now I do.
Anyhow, I thought spot reduction was only in regards to fat? :huh:0 -
5' 5" at 178lbs, unless you are a body builder, you have plenty of weight to lose. You calves will slim down in time when you lose body fat%. Don't stress out about it. Keep your diet at a deficit, make sure you are properly assessing your workout calories, and you will make progress. Everyone stores weight differently and everyones body type is different. You don't need to do anything excessive like atrophy your legs. In fact, I would keep working them out. When you lose the weight you'll be happy to have toned legs hiding underneath the fat.
Ding Ding Ding0 -
I was hoping there was a serious answer to your original question. I have the same problem. I think I read that you are 5'5, 178 and 16 in. calves.
I'm 5'3, 128 and have the same size calves. I'm pretty sure mine is all muscle. It's from running/biking...I'm convinced, maybe genetic too, who knows? I've been self-conscious of my calves my whole life...I've decided to own them and start wearing shorts more!0 -
I was hoping there was a serious answer to your original question. I have the same problem. I think I read that you are 5'5, 178 and 16 in. calves.
I'm 5'3, 128 and have the same size calves. I'm pretty sure mine is all muscle. It's from running/biking...I'm convinced, maybe genetic too, who knows? I've been self-conscious of my calves my whole life...I've decided to own them and start wearing shorts more!
You might want to check out CoderGal's (pics and Bobbystronger's recent answers on the third page. I thought the same thing because I walked on my toes but it turned out they were right. It's fat imitating muscle in that area. Plus mine are somewhat genetic side.
So you might what to check out your body fat %, genetics, or it could just be how you view them too. Even if they are big, you can still make them look sexy
Same here0 -
Yup, some people just have thick legs. Mine have always been thicker, even when I was 150lbs at 5' 11". I blame the Scottish in me.
Be glad you have strong legs. My first time ever squatting when I was 15 as a freshman I was able to put up 340. Strong thicker legs are not a bad thing. Some people would kill for them.0
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