Calf Raises

Calf raise exercise is a great exercise to do to help strengthen your calves, which are often neglected in a lower body workout routine.

Calf raises are great because they can be done anywhere with minimal equipment.

They will get a partial workout when doing other core major lower body lifts such as squats, deadlifts, or lunges, but add them to the end of a workout as an isolation exercise.

Calf Raises Exercise How To

• Get into a standing position. Note that you can hold onto a nearby object for balance as needed. If you choose to use weight for this exercise, simply hold a pair of dumbbells down by your side or rest a barbell across your back.
• Slowly inhale and then on the exhale, lift the heels up off the floor as you rise up onto your toes.  Hold this elevated position for a brief second to keep maximum tension on the calf muscles.
• From here, begin to lower back down into the starting position, allowing the heels to almost, but not quite touch the floor.
• Continue on with all reps until the exercise is completed.

Form and Technique

Be sure to keep the abs contracted as you do this exercise to prevent a forward lean during the exercise.

Try to turn the toes in or outward at times to target different areas of the calf muscles.

Variations:  Seated Calf Raise, Single Leg Calf Raise

Routine for Strength:  5 sets x AMRAP (30 secs rest between sets)

Routine for Muscle Gains:  5 sets x AMRAP (45-60 secs rest between sets)

How To Do Calf Raises