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Exercise Library / Calf Raise

Calf Raise

The calf raise lifts your heels to strengthen the calf muscles that push you off the ground with every step.

Strength Training

What this exercise does

The calf raise lifts your heels to strengthen the calf muscles that push you off the ground with every step. Strong calves help with walking, climbing stairs and keeping your balance.

At a glance

Muscles worked
Calves
Experience
Beginner

How to do it

  1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, holding a counter or chair for balance.
  2. Press up onto the balls of your feet, lifting your heels as high as you can.
  3. Hold for a second at the top.
  4. Lower slowly until your heels touch the floor.
  5. Do 10 to 15 reps.

Common mistakes

  • Rolling to the outside of the feet.
  • Bouncing at the bottom.
  • Using the fingers to pull yourself up.

Make it easier or harder

Make it easier

Hold on with both hands and lift only partway.

Make it harder

Stand on a step with the heels hanging off, hold dumbbells, or do the raise on one leg.

Keep it safe

Hold on to something steady. If you get calf cramps, slow down and rest between sets.

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