All Exercises
Calves

Calves Exercises

Exercises targeting Calves.

Showing 1–30 of 198 exercises

90/90 Hamstring

The 90/90 Hamstring is a dynamic flexibility exercise performed supine, designed to improve hamstring and calf range of motion through controlled, repetitive leg extensions. It's an excellent beginner movement for warming up the posterior chain or developing active flexibility.

Hamstrings
Calves
Hip Flexors
Beginner

Ankle Circles

Use a sturdy object like a squat rack to hold yourself.

Calves
Beginner

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.

Lower Back
Core
Adductors
Advanced

Backward Drag

Load a sled with the desired weight, attaching a rope or straps to the sled that you can hold onto.

Quadriceps
Calves
Forearms
Beginner

Balance Board

Place a balance board in front of you.

Calves
Hamstrings
Quadriceps
Beginner

Barbell Deadlift

Stand in front of a loaded barbell.

Lower Back
Calves
Forearms
Intermediate

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.

Quadriceps
Calves
Glutes
Intermediate

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.

Glutes
Calves
Hamstrings
Intermediate

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.

Quadriceps
Calves
Glutes
Intermediate

Barbell Seated Calf Raise

Place a block about 12 inches in front of a flat bench.

Calves
Beginner

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.

Quadriceps
Calves
Glutes
Beginner

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.

Quadriceps
Calves
Glutes
Intermediate

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.

Quadriceps
Calves
Glutes
Beginner

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.

Quadriceps
Calves
Glutes
Intermediate

Bench Sprint

Stand on the ground with one foot resting on a bench or box with your heel close to the edge.

Quadriceps
Calves
Glutes
Beginner

Bicycling

To begin, seat yourself on the bike and adjust the seat to your height.

Quadriceps
Calves
Glutes
Beginner

Bicycling, Stationary

To begin, seat yourself on the bike and adjust the seat to your height.

Quadriceps
Calves
Glutes
Beginner

Bodyweight Walking Lunge

Begin standing with your feet shoulder width apart and your hands on your hips.

Quadriceps
Calves
Glutes
Beginner

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.

Hamstrings
Abductors
Adductors
Beginner

Box Skip

You will need several boxes lined up about 8 feet apart.

Hamstrings
Abductors
Adductors
Beginner

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

Quadriceps
Abductors
Adductors
Advanced

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.

Calves
Beginner

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.

Calves
Beginner

Calf Raise On A Dumbbell

Hang on to a sturdy object for balance and stand on a dumbbell handle, preferably one with round plates so that it rolls as in this manner you have to work harder to stabilize yourself; thus increasing the effectiveness of the exercise.

Calves
Intermediate

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.

Calves
Beginner

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.

Calves
Beginner

Calf Stretch Hands Against Wall

Stand facing a wall from several feet away. Stagger your stance, placing one foot forward.

Calves
Beginner

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.

Calves
Intermediate

Carioca Quick Step

Begin with your feet a few inches apart and your left arm up in a relaxed, athletic position.

Adductors
Core
Abductors
Beginner

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.

Quadriceps
Calves
Glutes
Beginner