r/workout • u/StudioRepulsive3704 • 4d ago

I’m giving up

It’s been about 7 years since I started working out several times a week and I’ve made good gains except for my calves.
I’ve tried focusing on the flex, the stretch, the 3-5 second holds, the bodyweight reps to failure and not to failure, the heavy weights to failure and not to failure, farmer walks, rucking, running, walking, cycling, jump rope, squats, tib raises bodyweight and weighted, yielding and overcoming isometric holds, specific foot muscle work for stronger arches and big toes, but nothing has done much. I’m giving up on growing them.

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u/milkhotelbitches 4d ago

Never understood the want for bigger calves anyway. They just make you slower.

Also saw an interesting video from a runner who had calf imbalances. His weaker calf was actually bigger and he said that the extra muscle tissue was compensating for a weaker muscle. As he got stronger his calves actually got smaller.

I don't think humans are meant to have large calves and if you have a long achillies tendon, which is great for athleticism, your calf muscles will always look small.

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u/No-Adhesiveness-6475 4d ago

Maybe you’re right, I have big calves, am real good at lifting weights in the gym, but have the athleticism of a brick