Calves Exercises
Exercises targeting Calves.
Showing 1–30 of 202 exercises
Ankle Circles
Use a sturdy object like a squat rack to hold yourself.
Atlas Stones
Begin with the atlas stone between your feet. Bend at the hips to wrap your arms vertically around the Atlas Stone, attempting to get your fingers underneath the stone. Many stones will have a small flat portion on the bottom, which will make the stone easier to hold.
Backward Drag
Load a sled with the desired weight, attaching a rope or straps to the sled that you can hold onto.
Balance Board
Place a balance board in front of you.
Barbell Deadlift
Stand in front of a loaded barbell.
Barbell Full Squat
This exercise is best performed inside a squat rack for safety purposes. To begin, first set the bar on a rack just above shoulder level. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step under the bar and place the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck) across it.
Barbell Glute Bridge
Begin seated on the ground with a loaded barbell over your legs. Using a fat bar or having a pad on the bar can greatly reduce the discomfort caused by this exercise. Roll the bar so that it is directly above your hips, and lay down flat on the floor.
Barbell Lunge
This exercise is best performed inside a squat rack for safety purposes. To begin, first set the bar on a rack just below shoulder level. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step under the bar and place the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck) across it.
Barbell Seated Calf Raise
Place a block about 12 inches in front of a flat bench.
Barbell Squat
This exercise is best performed inside a squat rack for safety purposes. To begin, first set the bar on a rack to just below shoulder level. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step under the bar and place the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck) across it.
Barbell Step Ups
Stand up straight while holding a barbell placed on the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck) and stand upright behind an elevated platform (such as the one used for spotting behind a flat bench). This is your starting position.
Bear Crawl Sled Drags
Wearing either a harness or a loose weight belt, attach the chain to the back so that you will be facing away from the sled. Bend down so that your hands are on the ground. Your back should be flat and knees bent. This is your starting position.
Bench Jump
Begin with a box or bench 1-2 feet in front of you. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. This will be your starting position.
Bench Sprint
Stand on the ground with one foot resting on a bench or box with your heel close to the edge.
Bicycling
To begin, seat yourself on the bike and adjust the seat to your height.
Bicycling, Stationary
To begin, seat yourself on the bike and adjust the seat to your height.
Bodyweight Walking Lunge
Begin standing with your feet shoulder width apart and your hands on your hips.
Box Jump (Multiple Response)
Assume a relaxed stance facing the box or platform approximately an arm's length away. Arms should be down at the sides and legs slightly bent.
Box Skip
You will need several boxes lined up about 8 feet apart.
Box Squat with Bands
Begin in a power rack with a box at the appropriate height behind you. Set up the bands on the sleeves, secured to either band pegs, the rack, or dumbbells so that there is appropriate tension. If dumbbells are used, secure them so that they don't move. Also, ensure that the dumbbells you are using are heavy enough for the bands that you are using. Additional plates can be used to hold the dumbbells down. If more tension is needed, you can either widen the base on the floor or choke the bands. T
Calf Press
The Calf Press isolates and strengthens the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) using a leg press machine. It's an effective beginner exercise for building lower leg size and power, which contributes to athletic performance and ankle stability.
Calf Press On The Leg Press Machine
Using a leg press machine, sit down on the machine and place your legs on the platform directly in front of you at a medium (shoulder width) foot stance.
Calf Raise On A Dumbbell
A unilateral calf isolation exercise performed while balancing on a dumbbell handle. It targets the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles through a full range of motion, challenging stability and ankle strength. Useful for developing calf definition and ankle resilience.
Calf Raises - With Bands
Grab an exercise band and stand on it with your toes making sure that the length of the band between the foot and the arms is the same for both sides.
Calf Stretch Elbows Against Wall
The Calf Stretch Elbows Against Wall is a foundational static stretch used to improve flexibility in the posterior lower leg. It primarily targets the gastrocnemius muscle of the calf and is excellent for post-workout cool-downs or addressing lower leg tightness.
Calf Stretch Hands Against Wall
Stand facing a wall from several feet away. Stagger your stance, placing one foot forward.
Calves-SMR
Begin seated on the floor. Place a foam roller underneath your lower leg. Your other leg can either be crossed over the opposite or be placed on the floor, supporting some of your weight. This will be your starting position.
Carioca Quick Step
Begin with your feet a few inches apart and your left arm up in a relaxed, athletic position.
Chair Squat
To begin, first set the bar to a position that best matches your height. Once the bar is loaded, step under it and position it across the back of your shoulders.
Clean
With a barbell on the floor close to the shins, take an overhand (or hook) grip just outside the legs. Lower your hips with the weight focused on the heels, back straight, head facing forward, chest up, with your shoulders just in front of the bar. This will be your starting position.
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