fat calves

bitbit · #1 (**permalink**) 07-22-2005, 02:59 PM

Help!!

Since starting university i have started to put on a lot of weight, I have gone up two sizes but the thing that is bothereing me the most are my calves. Although I was extremely skinny before my calves were always quite big in proportion to the rest of my body but now they are v.big-there is no definition at all. My legs just look short and stumpy, I hate wearing skirts because of them! Is there anything I can do, I'm scared exercising might make them bigger because of the muscle....any advise appreciated!

Cheryl · #2 (**permalink**) 07-24-2005, 09:23 AM

What is your calf measurement? Do you wear high heels often? Are you on your toes a lot???? The only exercises that build up your calves are calf raises or inclines.....I do not do either exercise on a regular basis simply because I am happy with the size of my calves....

Usually a very simply change like eating less sodium and salt and increasing your water intake will alleviate any retention in that part of the body....

I hope I helped you out!!
cheryL : )

bitbit · #3 (**permalink**) 07-24-2005, 02:21 PM

Hi cheryl, thanks for your reply......

I hardly ever wear heals and don't do any exercise on incline......i have put on weight though, could this be the reason my calves are bigger?
How can I get them to be smaller (the size of my calves at the moment is around 35cm)

In response to your reply on "weight loss".........I am a size 10, I don't know how the conversion works in the US but here in the UK the smallest size we do is a 6 and then it goes on to 8 and so on.

Thanks for your help

bitbit

Cheryl · #4 (**permalink**) 07-30-2005, 10:10 AM

Okay! You sound small!!! You sound like you would be a size 4 in the US.....

I converted your calf measurement...so it is about 13.5 inches....that is not big at all!........................My thigh is 20 inches and my calf is 12.5! So we almost have the same calve measurement. I think you look better than you think you do!!

You probably simply need to define your calf more, using no weight, only your own body resistance. You don't need to do calf raises often, about once a week to notice a difference.

The important thing to remember is that your are in proportion.....there should be at least a 7 inch difference between your calf and thigh.
Here is a measurement calculator....It is a baseline....and it is in inches..sorry!! lol!

http://www.trulyhuge.com/fitnesscalculators.htm

You may have to adjust the hip measurement a bit.....Mine is 1 inch larger....

CheryL : )