Help wanted re Legs/calves!!!

[Stef]

Afternoon Ladies,

I have a few questions about building muscle in my legs, at the moment my legs are definitely in need of attention. I am going to start back at the gym in a few weeks (after Xmas/new years!) and was wondering the best way to get calf muscle definition? Also how long does it take to start seeing results?

Is it best to stick with the weights or add some up hill cardio?

I am wanting to loose some weight around my calves and build up some muscle definition - if that makes sense!! At the moment Its really just flab down there and no muscle at all (they are quite big for girls legs also)

Any help MUCH appreciated!!

Cheers

[poos_n_wees]

Muscle definition is a function of bodyfat, so your diet's gonna give you what you want.

I'm pretty sure there's muscle there, but its just covered in a layer of fat. How long it takes depends on your bodytype really. When you gain weight, where's the first place it starts to "show"? This is typically the last place you lose from.. and for most of us wimmenz, its in the lower body

I'd just clean up the eating habits.. (after xmas of course :pfft:) get into the weight training, and with a lil bit of time, you should be right.

There's a calf thread somewhere in the fitness section that should help too.

[Kiwi]

P&W is right. Get the basics right and make a start. Things take time.

On specifics, personally I have found seated calf raises very good - so don't just do the standing ones.

Good luck with your goals.

[Stef]

Thanks for the info, Yup first place i put on fat is ass thighs and calves - Ive had a flat stomach my whole life, never once had fat there.

I have inheretied my mothers body, she has the same legs as me. So is it possible to really change the shape of legs? i.e. to get rid of 'cankles' and have a more defining ankle? and to add the curved shape to the calf rather than straight up & down...

Cheers

[Flamer]

Have to agree with Kiwi. I usually super set my seated calf raises with standing - so I really feel the burn. The hill cardio in between will also help with losing the fat (all over of course!)

[Manu]

Have to agree with P&W, I'm sure you will get there, just takes time. Do many of you girls do donkey calf-raises? I super-set them with no weight in-between and go non-stop....talk about BURN!!!

I must not be a 'typical' female as I put fat on my stomach first and I have chicken legs buuuuk buuuuk lol :wink:

[rollesbygirl]

I think you need to make sure you work your calves effectively and experiment with what makes a difference, if you are doing standing raises and not getting any burn, then try some of the suggestions. For me personally its always been step and hill work that have bought out my calves.

[PT]

Oh you lucky girl having no jelly belly!! I agree with everyone else re diet and finding what really burns your calves as far as your weight training goes. And remember your calves are a very strong muscle and you can go very heavy with anything you do. Also getting up on your toes while doing hills or stairs is a great way to bring out your calves.

[Manu]

When my son walks he goes right up on his toes at the end of his step and he has big calves for a skinny kid lol. I've seen babies that walk the same way and they have HUGE calves.....maybe we could learn a thing or two from them.

[poos_n_wees]

And remember your calves are a very strong muscle and you can go very heavy with anything you do.

Strictly IMO, but I think this is why alot of ppl cheat when working calves. Adding a 3-4 second stretch at the bottom helps offset the achilles (sp?) ability to benefit from the momentum.

In saying that though, my calves suck :pfft:

[Pseudonym]

When my son walks he goes right up on his toes at the end of his step and he has big calves for a skinny kid lol. I've seen babies that walk the same way and they have HUGE calves.....maybe we could learn a thing or two from them.

Interesting you say that... I used to walk like this (I probably still do a bit!) and my calves are pretty good. Anyone else here with a similar story?

[SoaringSwine]

I wouldn't walk any other way until I was 7 or 8. Led to me having extremely short calves though .