Targeted Weight Loss? (I hate my calves!)

N

narnar

New member
I'm female, 5'4, around 110 pounds. I know I'm not overweight, but I rather hate my calves--they're too muscular! I'd like to lose about 10 pounds and force them to shrink down; I've cut my calories to about 1400 (I think? I'm not good at counting) and I've taken up DDR (sort of 'dancing'). DDR really works out the calves, and although I'm worried it'll build even more muscle, it's the only exercise I get.

I don't mind taking drastic measures, as long as it works. I've even considered binding my calves, but I'm not sure that'd work... I'd do anything, except for surgery/stop DDRing. Unless DDR is the culprit? (but I've always had muscular calves, even when sedentary for years) :willy_nilly:

Advice?



(ps. my calf is 14 inches around, bigger than the smaller part of my thigh!!!!)
 
Your only real option for spot reducing is surgery... Fat is going to come off your body where it comes off...
 
well, I know that about fat loss, but what about muscle? my basketball-enthusiastic friend has a much bigger right forearm from all that dribbling, so it seems possible to at least target-gain muscle. I guess my question is, is there a way to make my calves atrophy while still using them?
 
narnar said:
well, I know that about fat loss, but what about muscle? my basketball-enthusiastic friend has a much bigger right forearm from all that dribbling, so it seems possible to at least target-gain muscle. I guess my question is, is there a way to make my calves atrophy while still using them?
Click to expand...

You can't target weight loss to a specific part of the body.
 
txsqlchick said:
You can't target weight loss to a specific part of the body.
Click to expand...

Thats not what the OP is suggesting, she knows that.

You can't spot reduce, but in a way you can spot increase, by working out that particular muscle.

OP. It's your genetics, and its probably all muscle, so there isn't really anything you can do to get rid of it. I say just learn to live with it, and try to wear clothes that suit your calves. So don't wear capris, maybe wear shorts and jeans so they are not as noticeable. You shouldn't lose weight because you are already too low for your height.
 
I agree with austin_88. Your muscular calves are probably genetic. Please remember that no body is perfect. That does not mean your calves are flawed. It’s just the way you were built. Also keep in mind that there are many women who would love to have muscular legs. The grass seems always greener on the other side. Accepting your calves is probably the best way to go. Be patient with acceptance b/c it will take some time.
 
reducing calf muscles.

I run regularly and have massive calves, also.

I find that when I stop for a small while also restricting some animal protein, I loose muscle mass quick. If you are developing a particular muscle, when you stop using that muscle (coupled with lowering protein that builds muscle) that will be the first to go. It's WAY easier to lose muscle mass than fat.

This being said, I stopped worrying about my calves since I would much rather get the cardio through running, which is cheap and fun for me.

When I mention my calves to my gym rat friends, they suggest going on ellipticals, which depending on the incline reduces the support from your calves to your thighs.

This is all just to point out that DDR / that kicking off motion with your heels (in running too) that works your calves is the culprit. That and genetics.

I've just sort of realized that worries like these should rank pretty low on the priorities.
 
oh! good point about lowering protein intake. what about if I'm basically vegetarian? I occasionally eat seafood, but otherwise no meat. I really don't understand why I'd have huge calves though, I used to sit around all day on my bum before DDR. both my parents have thin calves, although admittedly one of them is underweight, and probably would have biggish calves if at normal weight.

that's why I'm thinking I'd lose my calves if I lose just a few more pounds?
 
If that is the case then it is probably genetic.

If you think about it, if you do try to lose 10 lbs you need to trick your body to burning the muscle instead of fat. It basically means you need to deficit your body of calories. Then to really target the muscles, I would say stop doing activities that target the calves...

I just say don't think too much about it. Stop DDR-ing as much. Do some pilates or something.
 
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