mandm Posted June 20, 2006 Posted June 20, 2006 I say WALKING. It doesn't bulk up your legs the way running or stairmaster can. Swimming is also great in that way.
shoegalalabama Posted June 20, 2006 Posted June 20, 2006 I used to run everyday and then do 40 mins on the stairmaster... my calves got bigger and in my opinion, too muscly - it especially shows when i wear heels as the muscle is defined... (why cant my abs tone up so quickly???) I dont go on the stepper now.. but I had no fat before so maybe thats why they got muscly.
evolkatie Posted June 22, 2006 Posted June 22, 2006 I have big calve muscles too =/ but that's cause I played soccer as a kid and they've stuck w/ me. Currently I'm justdoing lots of stretching and rasies. It really bothers me whenever I wear my jeans cause I have to size up so that my calves can fit =/ I can't wear any dresses or shorts either. I guess I'm too self-concious. I'm looking into lipo if I can't tone up within the next year so.
jenn83 Posted June 22, 2006 Posted June 22, 2006 I have bigger calves too because when I was younger I used to spend almost every day skating. I keep telling myself to start doing raises so that atleast they'll be toned.
tod Posted June 22, 2006 Posted June 22, 2006 Pilates is the best for this IMO. I saw the results on my bestfriend. She had the most humongous calves you can imagine and no ankles(!) After a year or so of pilates, her legs are very nicely shaped. It's funny because we practically grew up together and i'm still trying to get used to seeing her "new" legs.
babygirl2204 Posted June 23, 2006 Posted June 23, 2006 Thanks for all the suggestions. I've heard good things about Pilates and I think I am going to try it out.
dani Posted June 24, 2006 Posted June 24, 2006 I LOVE when my calves get muscle, dlasidjas. It's hot. I also love that bulging thigh muscle you get from spinning. but, IMO slim and muscle-toned is the sexiest thing ever! I saw, embrace your calves!
cute_lil_fiend Posted June 26, 2006 Posted June 26, 2006 And if all else fails a shot at the botox thing might work. I've heard of a surgery pioneered in Korea where they cut a nerve that runs to the calve in order to atrophy it. It's not something I'd go for, but hey, everyone is different.
tammyd Posted June 27, 2006 Posted June 27, 2006 My ballet teacher taught us to do lotsa stretching so that the calf muscles end up longer rather than wider as we gain strength. Stretch stretch stretch!!!
wild-musings Posted July 30, 2006 Posted July 30, 2006 I find that running makes my calves bulkier. I totally agree with Swanky Mama of Three: PILATES! I did a Pilates tape 5 days ago and the next morning my thighs, calves, and abs were so sore! Also, if you have access to an elliptical machine, put the intensity and slope a bit higher than you're used to and voila, instant skinny calves!
margar Posted October 5, 2006 Posted October 5, 2006 I really don't like my calves. They're really big and not that flatter. My bestfriend is really blunt and he always comments about how big my calves are and it really makes me sad. Is there anyway to make them smaller? I read that the only way to make them smaller is to stop using them because they're composed of muscle and if they're not used they will just turn back into fat which you can work off?! There is no way I can't use my legs haha running around my university campus is pratically all I do. Does any one know a way to make them trimmer?
boxermom Posted October 5, 2006 Posted October 5, 2006 If your weight is normal, but your calves seem larger in proportion, a lot of it is genetic, IMO. I have the same problem. I think I look best when I'm exercising my entire body--bike, weights, stretching, walking, etc. A student's life doesn't leave a lot of extra time, but that's what works for me, along with eating right. Your calves will be firm, toned and look their best. Good luck!
chocobo124 Posted October 5, 2006 Posted October 5, 2006 I've heard about calves "bulking up" from too much exercising. I think it's different from person to person. Some people naturally have bigger calves. A friend of mine never does any sort of calf-building exercises yet according to her, her calves are so muscular that she never wears anything but pants (hence "according to her" - I have never seen her legs). As for me, my legs look best when I'm doing my 12km jog 4 times a week.
lazyshopper Posted October 6, 2006 Posted October 6, 2006 calve raises, pilates, stretches on the calves, swimming Excercise to do: Stand on tiptoes and strain till it hurts a little. Then lower yourself. Repeat untill you can't. Get a pair of good platforms. GOOD LUCK.. tell me what worked, I am too lazy to do them, but if it works, I will definitely do it more than once a year.
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