Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

How Can I Decrease The Size In My Calves?



Recommended Posts

I have really big calves. I've been working on the treadmill in hopes of toning up my legs in addition to using some of the other leg related strength training machines at the gym. there is one particular machine that is geared toward the calves - I'm afraid to use it because I don't want my calves to get any bigger. Will using the machine help me to decrease my calf size and tone up the muscle or will the muscle I already have just get bigger?

Also, I have HUGE knees. I don't know that they'll shrink much, but is there something I can do to help tone down my secoya tree trunk legs at all?

I'm not an exerciser. I've only been playing one on tv since I got sleeved, and i've been doing my own thing pretty much. It would be nice to have a little guidance, but I have no money for a personal trainer. :-(

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

All you need it one session with a trainer to learn how to do the exercises correctly. Should set you back only about $25-$30 for a 1 hour session. Surely you are saving more than that on food each month ... right? And, you want to be productive with your time at the gym, too, right? You'd hate to be going for a month and then learn you could have been twice as productive if you had just been doing _____.

For me, everything has shrunk, well, almost everything (see The Man's Room). Arms, calves, rear, feet, hands ... everything. Toning will always look better than not.

If you absolutely don't want a trainer, I'm sure there are some videos out on YouTube related to calf toning.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You know that's a great idea about the trainer. I never knew how much they cost, so I always assumed that they were really expensive.

I'll also check youtube, that's usually my first go to research spot anyways.

Oh, I've already been to the Man's Room. This sleeve thing shrinks all the right places for you men huh? Completely the opposite for us women. Just ask my boobs, if you can find em. smh :biggrin:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

While working out may help SOME please be ware that there is no such thing as spot toning ( here's one article: http://www.lifescript.com/diet-fitness/tips/i/is_spot_toning_possible.aspx ) . Excersizing helps musclle definition but if you are predisposed to having big calfs than nothing will really reduce the size besides overall weight loss or some radical surgery. Some have it in the butt, some the gut, seems that you are stuck with it in the calf. I have it in the backs of my thighs.

If you can't get the size down when you reach your weight loss goal then you'll either have to live with it or seek surgical assistance.

Sorry :(

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Trainers are not as expensive as I initially thought. I have a friend who has a trainer coming to her home @ $15 per session with a 20 session minimum. He has agreed to allow me to attend the sessions at the same price. His special will last until Jan 31st. Perhaps you can find someone like him. I haven't been able to exercise yet. I actually tried walking my treadmill at home and because I'm not eating that much this month--it wiped me out. February will be my month. I agree, Youtube has a video for EVERYTHING. Blessings2u--BJ

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks Rootman. Reality is definitely a five letter word that rhymes with witch isn't it? lol

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@Rootman, great article..thanks!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

While working out may help SOME please be ware that there is no such thing as spot toning ( here's one article: http://www.lifescrip...g_possible.aspx ) . Excersizing helps musclle definition but if you are predisposed to having big calfs than nothing will really reduce the size besides overall weight loss or some radical surgery. Some have it in the butt, some the gut, seems that you are stuck with it in the calf. I have it in the backs of my thighs. If you can't get the size down when you reach your weight loss goal then you'll either have to live with it or seek surgical assistance. Sorry :(

Not quite true. There is no such thing as spot reducing. You can certainly spot tone. Your article supports this, too. And think about it. If you do nothing but arm curls, your arms are going to be far better toned than your legs.

Of course, you have to reduce to get to that point where you can see the toning, which is not possible to do in spots.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Well, I for one have fat calves and tree trunk legs. I am only 5'4" and I have a hard time finding a boot that I can zip over my calf.. well, I cant find one. Now that I have lost 61 pounds, my knees just suddenly reappeared! I have knotty knee caps! Who knew? My key chain hangs down from the ignition now and bumps against this bony prominence called a knee cap and now is sore from it! What the H E double hockey sticks????? I never knew I had knees under there. I am hoping that by next fall, I will be able to wear any boot I damn well please. I am still too scared to try them right now. I dont want to face dissappointment. I have been walking each evening and I think that is helping. I dont do a lot of exercise either but I am trying. I hope that both of us find our knees and realize we have beautiful legs under all this! I believe we do! Hang in there and see what happens! I think if you just exercise, like walking and toning, you will be pleasantly surprised what your legs really look like underneath it all.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have a PT and he's great at what he does. He helps me focus on the correct positions and has started me out on core exercises I can do at home. I really needed to start here. ;)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Forensikchic: You can problably wear those boots now! Since you have been walking alot, are your thighs jigglely? My feel like they are swinging everywear. LOL ;)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Forensikchic: You can problably wear those boots now! Since you have been walking alot, are your thighs jigglely? My feel like they are swinging everywear. LOL :wink1:

Mine are quite jiggly on top. I am wondering if I will need to have a thigh lift later on. I still have a lot of cellulite on my thighs as well. They are a lot smaller though. I have lost about 5 inches in them!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Forensikchick - boots are on sale now! It's the best time to try em out!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Forensikchic: My thighs are so much smaller now, but still have the shape of the bigger me! Yikes, I have alot of work to do........ :banghead:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Not quite true. There is no such thing as spot reducing. You can certainly spot tone.

YES, you are exactly right, mea culpa. The proper term I should of used is SPOT REDUCING. You can improve the definition of many body areas and spot TONE but not necessarily lose fat in those specific areas - which is what the OP was asking about. The body adds fat and consumes fat as it was genetically destined to do and no amount of excersize can reduce fat in any given specific area. You can only improve the LOOKS of the area by firming up the muscles underneath.

BTW: I have been swimming for like 10 months now and am absolutly AMAZED at how well my muscles look in areas like my calfs and biceps. I actually HAVE muscles there now! I used to be of course just round and flabby Years ago when I was thin I was just round and skinny. Now I have scoops and dips and definition. It's so cool!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×