Saturday 1 June 2013

How to Get Smaller Leaner Calves

If you've always been a little self conscious about the size of your calves and expensive slimming socks or slimming gels that claim to stimulate blood flow to reduce your calf size didn't work for you, read on! 

MY PROGRESS:


37 cm                             35cm 

I've lost 7kg over 2 years already thanks to diet and exercise, but I noticed my muscles (especially calves) were still really bulky and muscular. 
  1. I tried pilates (Blogilates) for 2 months and my calves got slightly leaner, but the bulkiness (the bulge you get behind your upper legs when you stand and tense) was definitely gone. 
  2. I joined the gym (Fitness First) for 3 months. I could see results within 7 days. Here was my routine - at least 30 min  on treadmill at 7.5km/hr - 2 - 3 sets of 15 leg presses (10kg)- 2 sets each of 15 lunges and 15 squats- I attended Body Combat/Body Attack classes when I could
  3. I no longer go to the gym, but my calves have not reverted back to their original size! Endurance training results are long term!
  • THE MAGICAL CALF SLIMMING METHOD: 
    Cardio Endurance Training 
Left: marathon runner              Right: sprinter

Left: marathon runner      Right: sprinter
  • Jog
  • for as long as you can at a moderate pace at least 4 times a week (you'll see results faster if you do it more consistently). It should be fast enough to get you panting and sweating after 10 min, depending on your fitness level.

    Not only will this decrease muscle size over time, but since it's cardio, it also burns fat efficiently too! And the effect is long  term. 
    Note: Do NOT run too fast. You will run out of oxygen and your body will use the anaerobic method of burning energy which is SLOWER and INEFFICIENT, and causes you to tire more quickly. You will find it easier to lose weight if you jog for 30 min a day than if you sprint)


  • Elliptical Machine
  • : 20 - 30 minutes at resistance of at least 3, power at least 70 watts, speed at least 100. I recently added this to my routine and do it straight after jogging. On days where you're too tired to jog, definitely do this! It really helps calf slimming.

  • Leg Presses:
  • If you go to a gym, you can use the leg press machine. Remember to put your legs at a 90 degree angle. Your knees should not bend over your ankles! Go at a moderate pace, don't try and do as many as you can as fast as you can.
  • Squats, Lunges and Pilates:
  • This will also help tone up and make your muscles leaner. I've been following Blogilates (Cassey Ho) for around 2 months now and I have noticed my muscles are definitely less bulky! :) It's like having your own personal trainer! Not to mention pilates helps burn some extra calories ;) 



** Disclaimer: All pictures in this post without a watermark were found on Google for education and demonstration purposes, they do NOT belong to me.  





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