Atlas
Standing Calf Raise: starting position Standing Calf Raise: end position

Plantar Flexion · Calves (gastrocnemius & soleus)

Standing Calf Raise

A plantar flexion exercise that works the calves (gastrocnemius & soleus). Beginner level, using machine, bodyweight.

BeginnerMachineBodyweightGymHome

Muscles worked

Gastrocnemius; with bent knees the soleus works more.

Setup and loading

Balls of your feet on the edge of the step, heels free.

How to do the standing calf raise step by step

  1. Place the balls of your feet on the edge.
  2. Lower your heels until you feel a stretch.
  3. Rise as high as possible onto your big toe.
  4. Pause at the top and lower over 3 seconds.

Form cues

  • Full range of motion
  • Weight on your big toe, not on the outside of your foot

Common mistakes

  • Bouncing at the bottom
  • Short range of motion
Advertisement

Sets and reps for your goal

Hypertrophy

4 x 10-15

3-4 sets of 6-12 reps (up to 15-20 on isolation exercises) at 65-80% of your max. Rest 1 to 2 minutes.

Get close to failure (0-3 reps in reserve) and control the lowering for 2-3 seconds. Accumulate 10-20 sets per muscle per week.

Endurance

3 x 20-25

2-4 sets of 15-30 reps or 30-60 seconds at 40-60% of your max. Rest 30 to 60 seconds.

Steady pace and clean technique to the end. Circuits help you build volume with little rest.

A guide for healthy adults. Adjust the load to your level and see a professional if you have an injury.

Check your form

Film yourself from the side or ask someone to watch, then tick what you get right.

0 of 2

Sports it suits

Gear for this exercise

As an Amazon Associate, Muscle Atlas earns from qualifying purchases.

Variations and similar exercises

Advertisement