Calves exercise
Calf Raise
Heel raise to strengthen your calves with a controlled movement.
- Primary muscleCalves
- EquipmentBodyweight
- TypeIsolation
- LevelBeginner
- Calves
- Bodyweight
How to do the Calf Raise
4 steps, in the order you do them.
- Stand on the edge of a step with your heels hanging off and one hand on the wall.
- Keep your knees straight without locking them, and your body upright.
- Raise your heels until you're on your tiptoes and hold for a second at the top.
- Lower your heels below the step until you feel a stretch, without bouncing.
Muscles worked
Common Calf Raise mistakes
What goes wrong most often when you do the Calf Raise, and how to fix it.
You do it on flat ground, so the heel doesn't drop below the toes.
Stand with the balls of your feet on a step so your heels can drop below the level of your toes.
Your weight shifts to the outer edge of the foot on the way up.
Rise by pushing through the base of your big toe and the other toes equally, without letting your ankles roll outward.
You grip the support hard and pull with your arms.
Rest your hands on the wall only for balance; your body should rise from the calves.
Alternatives to the Calf Raise
They work the calves with other equipment, including options for training at home.
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More calves exercises
Dumbbell Calf RaiseCalves · Dumbbells
Machine Donkey Calf RaiseCalves · Machine
Calf Press on Leg PressCalves · Machine
Wall Tibialis RaiseCalves · Bodyweight
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Calf Raise work?
The Calf Raise works mainly the calves.