Trying to get rid of fat calves

I want an answer to this too!

Short of surgery, I don't think you can change your body shape. You can just get to your fittest, thinnest point, but your general proportions will be the same. I have fat calves. Not muscular. Just thick. I hate them. I have a very slim upper body. I have the same skirt/boot problems. I just go for long maxi dresses or jeans, and skip the boots. I try to think about my body's functionality when I get depressed at the way it looks. Like how grateful I am that my legs work, and work well. It helps, but still I hate my calves. Sigh.

Last I checked I have 17 inch calves! They were big to begin with, they exploded when I got pointe shoes and then never really went back down again. They look nice but there is only one brand of riding boot that makes them big enough for me, which is annoying.

You can't spot reduce though. I would choose endurance type exercise over sprinting but it probably doesn't make a huge difference. Mostly keep on reducing fat, and wear heels I'm sure your legs look amazing in them!

I have been told that long-distance running can break down the muscle in your calves. I have no idea if there is ANY validity to this and I am sure one of the knowledgable folks will be along shortly to set me straight. If it is true, I will be increasing my mileage. :laugh:

I have big calves too and tiny ankles. I always had been musclar in my legs so gaining additional fat on top of big calves didn't help any. So when they talk about losing some lean muscle, I won't mind.. Now I will be happy to get my calves back without the fat. I can grab fat on my calves now... :sad:

Hi there! I've been in the same boat as you for like, ever. I have big calves and I hate them. But I've picked up on some things that have been helping me a lot. First off, running is the BEST thing for slimming down any part of your body. I've lost 22+ pounds just by running and occasional sets of cardio, eating better, etc. My calves are starting to get better and more toned rather than just bulky, bleh. Another awesome trick is to ALWAYS stretch your calves, before and after workouts. The calf stretch where you use is the wall is the best way to help your calves look more long and lean. You could do brisk walking with incline to target your calves but if you do, make sure you only do this 1 or 2 times a week because too much incline will actually add to your bulkiness. But if you're doing it once or twice a week along with long distance runs, ( I start off 6mph, after my 5 minute 4mph warm up and go up to 8mph until I feel tired then I go back to 6mph or 5mph until I've caught my breathe or regained strength and then its back to 8mph for at least 40 minutes. Its tough but does wonders!) Yoga is good too. I try to do it once a week but its just too slow pace for me and if I don't feel the burn, I don't feel like I've done enough.
Toe touches, believed it or not are awesome for your calves, if you keep your feet flexed while you do them, you'll feel it. Basic squats of course help slim down, as long as you keep your heel to the ground. Which is another thing, if you walk on your toes its probably adding bulk to your calves. Try walking on your heels instead, it stretches the back of your calves and leaves then slimmer and leaner. So I hope this was helpful, these are all things I've learned throughout my weight loss journey and they work for me. But keep in mind that all bodies are different.

Big calves and ankles here. Some of the problem might be fluid retention in lower legs. When i was in hospital, I was given compression stockings due to risk of thrombosis and was surprised by how dainty my how ankles and calves looked. Compression socks are now mainstream as the major sportswear brands market them for reducing risk of injury while training. See if compression socks help.