Have you ever been given the look of "You don't train legs"?

SSgt Paul Esquibel — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 00:37:29 -0500

I'm curious if others like me are genetically just built with smaller Calves but get that look from someone as if size is everything. Knowing that Calves are much like your forearms the muscle fibers are constantly at work and generally it's harder to build those areas because you use them daily in life. I just find it odd cause small does not mean weak as proven by bench press comps.

Response by SSG Shavonde Chase made Nov 28 at 2016 12:41 AM

SSG Shavonde Chase — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 00:41:20 -0500

So very true. I know many people with small legs and are very strong. It's not about how you look but what you can do.

Response by Cpl Robert Crockett made Nov 28 at 2016 12:53 AM

Cpl Robert Crockett — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 00:53:57 -0500

I think it also varies with age. The older you get, the smaller the calves get. Mine seem to be smaller although I most definitely work my legs.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2016 1:18 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 01:18:52 -0500

Calves are one of the hardest muscles to build up, especially for taller individuals. It also depends on your anatomy, if you have naturally small calves it will be harder (not impossible) to add mass to them. Even Arnold Schwarzenegger had trouble with his calves when he started body building. I'm 6'5" and I have smaller calves despite working my legs regularly.
Here is an interesting article about the anatomy of the calves and some training tips for them.
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/topicoftheweek13.htm
Good Luck!

How Can You Build Your Calves If Nothing Seems To Work?

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Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2016 2:11 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 02:11:01 -0500

You can train muscles somewhat to convert slow-twitch/endurance muscle fibers to fast-twitch/power/strength with hard work sometimes. Calves are mostly slow-twitch and will require a lot of work to build for some. Also, training for strength and training for mass aren't always one in the same.

Short answer - no.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2016 8:38 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Nov 2016 08:38:08 -0500

Size is to a point. Those who look at weight lifting and body building is based on proportion. If they see you have a bigger upper body but small lower body, it make your body composition very uneven. I've seen it before and it can be really eye-opening, so to speak.
It can be judgmental but you just have to brush that off. You do you. If you want to grow your calves, then do it. If not, you keep doing you. You are your worst critic when it comes to your body, work and mental state. If you see yourself looking great, then where is the room for someone else's judgement?