Machines · Isolation
Calf raise
Calf raise mainly works your calves.
Step by step
- Place the balls of your feet on the edge.
- Lower your heels for a full stretch.
- Rise as high as you can and pause.
What you should feel
A deep stretch and burn in your calves; your ankles and knees should not hurt.
Common mistake
Bouncing with short reps; slow down and pause at the top and bottom.
Sets and reps
- To build muscle: 3 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps, resting 1 to 2 minutes.
- It isolates one muscle, so it works best after your bigger lifts, with 10 to 15 reps.
Works
Equipment
Machines
Alternatives for the same muscles
No machine, no barbell, or something hurts? These work the same muscles.
Standing barbell calf raiseCalves
Barbell seated calf raiseCalves
Standing dumbbell calf raiseCalves
Seated single-leg dumbbell calf raiseCalves
Band calf raiseCalvesBody weightSingle-leg calf raiseCalvesQuestions
What muscles does the calf raise work?
Calf raise mainly works your calves.
Can I do the calf raise at home?
Not easily, it needs this: machines. At home, try instead: standing dumbbell calf raise, seated single-leg dumbbell calf raise, and band calf raise.
How many sets and reps of the calf raise?
To build muscle: 3 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps, resting 1 to 2 minutes. It isolates one muscle, so it works best after your bigger lifts, with 10 to 15 reps.
Warm up for 5 to 10 minutes first. Stop if something hurts (sharp pain, not effort), and check with a doctor if you have a health condition. Photos: Free Exercise DB (public domain).
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