Big Thighs Small calfs

Albionrider

Can anyone explain why I'm not developing bigger calfs..., i've been seriously putting in the mile and my thighs are getting really toned, but my calfs just seem the same. Is this normal? or is it to do with my riding style / or terrain.
Can anyone recommend calf focused training. Cheers

carlstone

Hi

A lot of muscle development potential is set by genetics. You may just have naturally small calfs. If it is not hurting your cycling prowess then I wouldn't worry.

Lou Ferrigno of Incredible Hulk fame was massively muscled but small calves plagued his bodybuilding career, so much so he (aledgedly) had calf implants for his return in the masters competition, so your not alone.

penugent

Cycling uses thigh muscle more than calf muscle - ergo bigger thighs. Use weights or another sport to even up the development, maybe.

AndyGates

Ankling and pushing a big gear especially uphill will build calves, but you have the genetics to work with too. Calf raises in the gym are good, but really you only need those for decorative purposes.

SteveR_100Milers

You can swap with me if you want, my calf muscles are almost as wide as my thighs...its not pretty honestly...

AndyGates

Same thing here. Looks even sillier with tiny narrow ankles. I have the lower legs of a bodybuilder. Really ought to work out where I put the rest of him...

piedwagtail91

calves are hard to build even using weights. toned but slim calves can be an advantage as they make your quads look bigger in comparison. (well thats what you should tell yourself anyway!)