Do runners really develop calf muscles?

Running, as the most effective and simplest fitness program, is highly praised by many people. However, many people worry about making their calf muscles grow thicker. In fact, muscular legs caused by running are due to wrong posture and method. Effective stretching can make your body slender and toned, and your muscles even and strong. However, many people do not stretch after running, which leads to muscular legs. Below, the editor will teach you the correct way to run so that you can stay away from muscular legs.

Does running really make your calves thicker?

This is a question that almost every girl who starts running to exercise will ask. Because some people land on their toes when running, causing fatigue and tightness in their calves, they mistakenly believe that their calves are "growing thicker." In fact, a person's basic shape is innate, and the same goes for leg shape. Your calves will not become noticeably thicker just by running a few times. We often worry that running will make our calves "thicker", but this is actually caused by incorrect running posture and inadequate pre-running warm-up movements and post-running cool-down movements.

[How to prevent your calves from getting thicker when running]

1. Is your running posture correct?

If you are used to landing on the forefoot first when running, then you will have to say goodbye to slender calves. Although landing on the forefoot first makes running easier, it will make your calves thick. The best way is to land on your heels and then slowly transition to the forefoot. Although running in this way is tiring, it will effectively help you lose weight without making your calves thick.

2. Don’t forget to do warm-up exercises

Warm-up exercises are to prevent muscle strain. When running, you must warm up before running to prevent calf muscle strain. Because it takes a long time to recover after a strain for the muscles to become healthy.

3. Stretch after running

Stretching and relaxation is an extremely important step that is overlooked by many people. The muscles involved when running include the quadriceps on the front of the thigh, the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles in the calf, and some gluteal muscles.

Although stretching can sometimes be painful, it is necessary to stretch before and after running. It can not only prevent muscle leg problems, but also prevent running injuries. In addition to lack of stretching, running posture is also a major factor. Due to insufficient core muscle strength, the calf muscles move unbalancedly and forcefully. Therefore, you should pay more attention to strengthening your body's coordination and correct running posture.