Calves anyone?

[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.

[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

[newbiechick]

Gotta agree with the folks who say, "Love what you've got."

I was always just a little bit heavy growing up ... then in my late teens early 20s carried an extra 10-20+ pounds. In my 30s I started exercising regularly and dropped a couple of sizes. But I still have heavy legs and a large butt, even tho' I am a healthy size 6. That's just how I'm made. If I were to try to reduce my weight to the point that my legs were "thin" and my butt "small", I'd probably be dead. So I do my best to keep my heart fit and my muscles as toned as they can be from a reasonable diet and exercise regimen. I'm not going to work out multiple hours a day in an attempt to have an unattainable "perfect" body. I'm 44 and there are still times I wish I had "great legs," but 90+% of the time I'm grateful for a strong, healthy body that's good to me when I'm good to it.

We do so need to give the girls in our culture some new physical standards to aspire to ... standards that are based on health and fitness, not shape and size.

Thankful for my strong legs,
Shelley
aka newbiechick