Exercise Library / Legs

Calf Raises

How to do the Calf Raises with proper form, and the muscles it works.

Muscle group
Legs
Primary muscles
Calves
Equipment
Bodyweight/Machine
Type
Isolation
Level
Beginner

Video: “You're Doing Calf Raises WRONG | The Correct Way Taught By Physical Therapist” by Rehab and Revive on YouTube.

How to do the Calf Raises

  1. Sit on the machine and place your toes on the lower portion of the platform provided with the heels extending off. Choose the toe positioning of your choice (forward, in, or out) as per the beginning of this chapter.
  2. Place your lower thighs under the lever pad, which will need to be adjusted according to the height of your thighs. Now place your hands on top of the lever pad in order to prevent it from slipping forward.
  3. Lift the lever slightly by pushing your heels up and release the safety bar. This will be your starting position.
  4. Slowly lower your heels by bending at the ankles until the calves are fully stretched. Inhale as you perform this movement.
  5. Raise the heels by extending the ankles as high as possible as you contract the calves and breathe out. Hold the top contraction for a second.
  6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Muscles worked

The Calf Raises mainly works your calves.

Calf Raises start and finish positions

Calf Raises: Starting position
Starting position
Calf Raises: Ending position
Ending position

Track your Calf Raises progress

Getting stronger means beating last time. GymGod shows your last weights and reps for every exercise, including this one, so you always know what to beat.

More legs exercises

Browse all 173 exercises →