Is the size of calf muscles based mainly on genetics?

[Anonymous]

I have really skinny legs/calfs and no matter how many calf raises/exercises i do my calfs legs don't seem to respond like other areas i work out

Any advice?

[NovaLS]

I think it can be changed but I know and understand what you mean. I have always had good calves I do like to run consistently but my roommate is a gym freak and he is very built upper body but no matter what he does he so far has skinny calves. I think he is improving though

[Phoenix98]

If you mean just by natural growth yes, but they can be built up using weight training to very good size.

[Asker]

I do weighted calf raises and although I have seen small growth it just does not respond like other parts of my body like arms shoulders etc. Annoying but is that normal?

[Phoenix98]

The calf's are stubborn muscles to grow, try doing exercises that work the calves in addition to other parts of the leg, Leg Press and Squats are two examples.

[Asker]

Thanks mate one last question if you don't mind. My main issue with my legs are my shins which are just crazy skinny i'm guessing not a lot can be done about that area though?

[Phoenix98]

yeah not to much can be done about that, the best thing you can do is the 3 mass builders for legs Squats, Leg Press and Romanian Deadlift.

[Asker]

Would lunges help aswell?

[Phoenix98]

They can but they aren't mass builders like the 3 I mentioned.

[Phoenix98]

Thank you for the MHO.

[Takada]

Yes. People with longer legs generally can't put on as much muscle on them. If you're also predisposed to being skinny, it will be even more difficult. Calf muscles don't grow as fast as other muscles anyway.

[justbanANNAz]

I'm going to say yes, because this applies to me. even when i was overweight, my calves were still peaking.

however, u can of course aid in their growth by training if those genes dont apply.

[AdamThomas]

Yeah it does. Measure the length of the lower part of your calf muscle in comparison to the upper part, if the bottom part is much longer and the top part starts much higher you'll have trouble growing big calves. If the upper part starts halfway up your calf you have more potential for growth.

[maiez]

A big portion yes, it took Arnold 4 years with training calves 6 days a week for 45 minutes each day and he gained 2 inches on his calves.
Proportionally speaking, your calves should be the same size as your neck and biceps.

[mutedaisy]

I believe so, I've always had prominent calf muscles. You can build muscle there though.

[Asker]

What sort of exercise can you do for them

[mutedaisy]

besides calf raises, I am not sure. I don't work out my calf muscles, because they won't shrink... You could do high intensity sprinting and resistance training.

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[Asker]

Wow nice links thanks mutedaisy

[mutedaisy]

You're welcome :)

[Bethanycats]

Nope I have muscled calfs do to all the walking and running trying to lose some weight before florida!

[Anonymous]

They are supposed to be the same size as your arms.

[Opinion Owner]

I don't know why these girls downvoted. Steve Reeves says so