How to Get Bigger Calves From a Treadmill

A targeted treadmill workout can build and shape your calves.
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Typically, a woman’s workout focuses on slimming, trimming, whittling and narrowing. But if you’ve been blessed with skinny little chicken legs, your workout wish list might include a bit of building and bulking. But don’t fret -- you don’t need to mingle with the bodybuilders to accomplish your goals. In fact, a simple treadmill workout is enough to turn those scrawny limbs into gorgeous gams.

    Step 1

    Increase the incline on your treadmill. If you’re a workout newbie, begin by upping the incline just a few percentages. Increase the percentage every few workouts until you’re killing your calves at full incline. Walking on an inclined treadmill is similar to walking up a very steep hill -- you’ll feel the burn in your calves and buns after just a few short minutes.

    Step 2

    Walk the inclined treadmill at a steady pace for 10 minutes. Every time you take a step, push the ball of your foot into the track and lift your calves.

    Step 3

    Move your feet to the edge of the treadmill after your 10-minute climb -- just make sure the treadmill is off and the belt is no longer running. Hang your heels off the edge of the machine and perform 10 calf raises.

    Step 4

    Repeat the cycle two more times. After finishing the next 10-minute treadmill climb, perform 10 calf raises with your toes turned inward about 45 degrees to target a different area of your curvy calves. After the third 10-minute climb, perform 10 calf raises with your toes turned outward 45 degrees.

    Step 5

    Finish your calf-blasting treadmill workout with an extra 5 minutes of fun-walking. After lowering the incline back to a flat level, pick a reasonable speed that you can easily manage. Then, turn to the side or turn backwards. A sideways shuffle will target not only your calves, but also your thighs and hips. Walking backwards, on the other hand, builds your calves while tightening your buns.

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