Usually I reserve this type of post for my weight loss blog, but since there hasn't been much in the way of weight loss efforts over the past few months, it's probably more suitable for this forum.
The one sassy accessory that I really, really want to wear are knee-high boots. It's not just a fashion thing. In New England, boots are key to being able to wear skirts without getting frostbite on the calves. The problem is, I have giant calves. I lost 22 pounds this year including 4+ inches off my waist, 4 inches off my hips, and a couple of inches off of each thigh. Each calf lost around an inch maybe, and if I'm honest I'll admit to pulling the measuring tape kind of tight because I just wanted to see some progress.
So I thought maybe, finally, I could wear boots since I had lost a little bit. I ordered some with plus-size shafts thinking those HAD to fit, right? They came on Friday and I excitedly tried them on only to find that the zipper stopped about halfway up, right around where my calf gets bulbous with the muscle. I moaned and wailed to Jason about the unfairness of it all.
I thought, maybe if I keep them, when I lose 20 more pounds they'll fit! I thrust my leg into the air, tightening the muscle, trying to see if there was any fat to lose on it. The fact is, it's pretty much all muscle. There's maybe half an inch and that's it, and those boots each needed another inch for the zippers to close.
I blame it on swim team since I was 6 years old and the genetics that saddled me with large, muscular, not feminine at all legs.
At least Jason still loves me.
I know spot reducing is a myth, but have any of you done any exercises in particular that you noticed particularly diminished your calves? Because I am open to suggestions.
Despite this setback, I am really tempted to just call a time out on eating right and exercising for the holidays. I know it's a cop out, but I lost 22 pounds earlier this year and even after a solid 3-4 months of not really watching what I'm eating and not really exercising much, I've only gained 3-5 back, depending on the day. When I'm with Jason I admit, I don't eat very well. But the rest of the day, I usually just eat cereal for breakfast and salads for lunch. Last year I started losing weight with a New Year's resolution, and I think I may just let myself enjoy the holidays (within reason) and start up again in earnest with the New Year. I have 23-25 more pounds to lose before I hit my goal weight and I know I can dedicate myself to it fully once things like piles of turkey and festive pies are out of my field of vision. Plus, starting the weight loss program again will mesh nicely with some other goals I have about growing some stuff and trying to eat more locally. More on that later.
Jason and I celebrated 4 weeks on Saturday. Already?!
3 comments:
Happy four week anniversary! Can't believe it's been a month already.
Hey, I have the Pop-eye calves too - it's those German genes. What helps? Stretching out the muscle. Don't pull the muscle off the bone or anything - but try doing some calf stretches to lengthen the muscle out and you may get that inch down you need to zip up the boots! Stretching works miracles!
I have no suggestions for your calf weight loss. But I in the first six months of my marriage, I lost 20 pounds. I have no idea why, it is not as if I worked out. But maybe you will get that same luck! I wish it upon you! And oh, yeah, your gift is coming and it may just be a bit naughty...
I'm going to second the lengthening the muscle idea.
It sounds like your calf is pure muscle.. which is good - shapely and sexy. But if it's preventing boot wearing.. well, I don't blame you for wanting to change it!
So rather then bulk, you want to lengthen the muscle. Various forms of yoga and pilates should help. But for a start, sit on the couch or the floor and lift up one leg at a time... point your toe - hold for 30. Then flex your foot - so your toes come back toward you and your heel extends as far as possible - hold. now continue, point - and flex - and point - and flex. Switch legs... and don't forget to rotate your foot/ankle both clockwise and counter clockwise.
Then move on to laying on your back... raise one leg straight up with the other on the floor.... same thing, point and flex over and over.
Standing... do those dance warm up moves. Standing on one foot, bring the other forward - point, bring it back in then out to the side - point, then back in and then behind you... point your toe to the floor... switch feet and do it over.
Hope it helps!
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