FAQs
Well, genetics do play a BIG role in how much calf growth your capable of. You probably already know if you have good calf genetics or not. If not, you're probably never going to have HUGE calves. The good news: calf growth IS POSSIBLE, even with bad genetics.
Can you get bigger calves or is it genetic? ›
When it comes to the calf size, a lot of people would have you believe that you were either destined to be a CALF OR A CALF-NOT. What I'll say is that this is partially true. Genetics play a large role in calf size.
Can my calves actually grow? ›
"Calves are just like any other muscle group. Train them hard through a full range of motion with an emphasis on the stretch, and they'll grow." Variety can also be a useful tool when stimulating calves: in addition to your gym sessions, consider heading outside.
Are 14 inch calves small? ›
Understanding Your Measurements
If your calf is somewhere between 12 and 14 inches around, you may want to consider a medium-calf shoe. At Vionic, we utilize the following inclusive calf width guide: Medium calf – 12.9 to 14.1 inches. Wide calf – 14.6 to 16.1 inches.
Do some people naturally have big calves? ›
Aging: As you age, your skin loses elasticity and your muscles and bones begin to weaken. This can lead to a decrease in muscle mass in your lower legs, which may result in big calves. Some people are simply predisposed to having larger calves. This is often due to genetics and cannot be changed.
Will I get big calves if my dad has? ›
The way your calves look is largely determined by your genetics. However that doesn't mean that you can't build them up, and that doesn't mean you should use your genetics as an excuse for having calves that you're ashamed of! Plus, it's the same way with every other muscle group.
What causes big calves? ›
Exercise – Repetitive movement through exercise will put strain on your calf muscles causing them to be stronger and bigger. Walking long distances while wearing high heels will also contribute. Fatty tissue – Fatty deposits are another possible reason for thicker calves.
How to get massive calves? ›
Other ways to increase calf size
- Sprinting. Powerful bursts of sprinting will challenge your calf muscles.
- Uphill walking. When you walk or run on an incline, your calves work against more resistance.
- Jumping rope. Jumping rope can help to strengthen and tone your calves while also boosting your cardio fitness.
The bottom line is that three things can stop your calves from growing: people don't train them as hard, you might have limited androgen receptors in them, and people bounce up and down instead of squeezing and contracting with an appropriate tempo.
What counts as a big calf? ›
Size Guide For Calves
| Size | Range (cm) | Range (Inches) |
|---|
| Small | 28cm - 33cm | 11" - 13" |
| Medium | 33cm - 38cm | 13" - 15" |
| Large | 38cm - 43cm | 15" - 16.9" |
| XL | 43cm - 48cm | 16.9" - 18.9" |
1 more rowCutoff values for calf circumference, in centimeters (cm) to identify undernutrition, according to the age range, in years, for males, were: 0 -1y: ≤17.2cm; 2-5y: ≤ 18.8cm; 6-9y: ≤23.9cm; 10-12y: ≤25.3 cm; 13-15y: ≤28.2cm; 16-19y: ≤32.0cm; and for females:0–1 y: ≤15.4 cm; 2-5y: ≤18.9 cm; 6–9 y: ≤ 24.1 cm; 10–12 y: ≤ ...
Why are my calves so big even though I'm skinny? ›
Skinny people can quickly develop cankles due to hormonal or genetic reasons, even if they have little excess fat in other areas. As you'll learn below, genetics is one of the significant causes of calf and ankle fat.
Do big calves mean athleticism? ›
The point being larger calves can seem like they are not going to get you more athletic, but any amount of exercise and strength training will help you to gain athleticism!
Does running build calves? ›
Running, walking, and hiking are excellent calf-strengthening exercises, especially when you go uphill. The steeper the climb, the more your calves have to work. Running sports such as soccer, basketball, and tennis demand that you run, jump, and push off your calf muscles to accelerate or change direction quickly.
Can you build calves without genetics? ›
More and more research shows that the “bad calf genetics theory” is more wrong than right. In fact, most studies show that the reason some people struggle to build bigger calves isn't due to defunct DNA, but to poor workout programming—something you can change immediately to get better results.
How do you increase calf size? ›
Running, walking, and hiking are excellent calf-strengthening exercises, especially when you go uphill. The steeper the climb, the more your calves have to work. Running sports such as soccer, basketball, and tennis demand that you run, jump, and push off your calf muscles to accelerate or change direction quickly.
Does big calves mean unathletic? ›
It's about rate of force development and your ability to express strength explosively. Calves have nothing to do with it.
Can you be calf dominant? ›
We call it calf dominance, and its obvious in people with a very bouncy type gait. The calves will generally push you more vertical where the hamstrings will drive you forward (you need the vertical movement from the calves to clear the ground).
