[sammy76]

Hi lately I've started realising my calves are quite big, especially from the front, they are okay from the side of my body, but are large from the front. Its made me become quite self conscious because I can't wear pants as my thighs look big and in dresses, you can see my calves. Are there any particular exercises that can make them slimmer and thinner? I heard yoga and pilates can help, is this true? Also I don't want to gain muscle or anyhing. Does walking build muscle or help them slim down? Please help!!

[aaronh1]

Hi Sammy,
Without knowing more details about you, your body type and current exercise program your question is not easily answered. What I can tell you is that if you do not have a high percentage of body fat there are not any exercises that will slim your calves if they are large due to muscularity. If you are carrying additional weight and you are exercising to lose it then as you become lighter there will be less work for your calf muscles and they should reduce in size from the fat loss and the reduction in labor from having less work to do (locomotion of a lighter body).
If you are running or stair climbing regularly, consider swimming if you don't mind it, the calves are not as involved as they are with running, cycling or using a stair stepper.
Walking on level surfaces usually does not create a great enough stimulus for a big increase in muscle mass in the calves.
Part of your situation could be genetics, your calves may just be naturally stronger compared to the average person and they respond to mild exercise quickly, even if you do not desire that outcome.
Any form of exercise can help to improve your muscle tone. The intensity and workload determines how it will respond(grow).
So if your calves are larger than you like due to fat tissue, most forms of exercise will help slim down your calves. If they are overly muscular you need to take a look at your exercise program and modify it so the calves are not working harder than needed.
Aaron