Bodyweight calf raise
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Muscles worked
- High load
- Calves · Gastrocnemius
Primary muscles
How to do it
Stand tall with the balls of the feet on the floor, or on the edge of a step for a longer range. Rise as high as you can onto the toes, pause for a second at the top, then lower under control until the heels are down — or below the step if you have one. Add a single-leg version once double-leg reps stop being challenging; that is the load progression when there is no machine to add plates to.
Form cues
- Full stretch at the bottom
- Pause one second at the top
Safety
Talk to a professional before this exercise if you have any of the following:
Ankle
This is general exercise reference, not medical advice. Stop and consult a qualified professional if an exercise causes pain, and never work through joint pain.