Calves anyone?

[swlsue]

I'm Asian and most Asians can build fairly muscular legs.

BCi Pam - me too!

[Geonz]

Unless I flex 'em just right, my calves don't look like biker calves... which I sorta like because it means I'm always being underestimated. I'd have to get emaciated to get rid of the softening layer of subcutaneous fat - and it's probably why I can ride comfortably when others are turning blue.

[bcipam]

BCi Pam - me too!

That explains your avatar - great thighs girl!!!

My thighs are too heavy but I do have awesome calves. Just something about the Asian body - I think gentically we were disposed to carry heavy loads or something.

PS: I am half Japanese, quarter American Indian and German. Strange combo. I have no hair on my legs or arms and also am not allergic to poison Oak which I found out comes from my Native American heritage. I guess the German part of me is my height (5'8") and statute (broad shoulders, slim hips).

[bluezfire]

In my two years at my current gym, I have become friends with MANY powerlifters and bodybuilders. In fact, almost every single powerlifter at my gym is a world record holder in the WABDL. I know some pretty BIG guys and gals and I also know some pretty BUILT guys and gals. When it comes to developing certain body parts, this is what they have shared with me.

It all boils down to genetics!

For instance, there is a HUGE guy who can deadlift over 800 lbs AND squat over 700 lbs. You would think with all of that lower body work he would have massive calves, right? Nope. My calves are bigger and more defined than his. Same with one of the FEMALE powerlifters who can deadlift over 500lbs and squat over 400 lbs. Her calves? Tiny. I have gotten the same info from one of the most well defined and wonderful-to-look-at male bodybuilders at the gym, as well. Calves and abs, he said, are the most common muscles that make or break a bodybuilder because genetics play a key role in whether or not you will be able to develop them. If the genetics are not there, the muscle size and development will not be there - no matter what you do.

This isn't to say that you can't have STRONG calves. Because you can. They just may not ever look the way you want them to.

As for me, I'm genetically blessed with the calves genes. There are times when I take to calling mine the "Popeye Legs". And, true, they are one of my favorite body parts. But like the others have said, I think it's important that we learn to appreciate what we have been given and enjoy what our bodies can do. They truly are amazing works of art, no matter what they look like.

[Technotart]

"Hear Hear!! Yes it SHOULD be, but the reality is sadly quite different. I have 2 young daughters and I am always trying to make sure they know their worth is in their thoughts and actions not their bodies. If anyone knows a surefire way to make sure they believe it, I'm all ears."


I know just how to do this - be the example!!! Be proud of yourself and your body, point out the good things you notice about yourself and how happy you are with them rather than pointing out what you are unhappy with. I have 2 girls - ages 22 and 17. The 17 year old does some modeling. One major agency told her she needed to take 4 inches off of her hips and come back - she decided she would rather be on swimteam, run track and ride her bike. She LIKES the fact that she looks healthy, lean and muscular! She is 5'10" and weighs 154 lbs - lord knows she didn't need to lose weight! I am so proud of her for being proud of herself the way she is. I do point out frequently that the models in magazines are very unhealthy looking. She calls them scrawny fat girls - bony frame, but what they have on it is fat, not healthy muscle.

[emily_in_nc]

I have no hair on my legs or arms....

Ooh, do you realize how lucky you are!? This time of year (shorts weather) I am shaving all the time and so tired of it!

Wanna trade genes?

Emily