Calf Raise

About the movement

A simple movement with an outsized payoff for lower-leg development. Calves respond to heavy load, deep stretch, and full range of motion.

How to do it

1. 1

   Stand on a raised platform or calf machine with the balls of your feet on the edge and heels hanging off.

2. 2

   Lower your heels until you feel a deep stretch in your calves.

3. 3

   Drive through the balls of your feet to rise onto your toes as high as you can.

4. 4

   Pause at the top, then lower slowly back to the stretch.

Form tips

• •Do the full range; half-reps are the main reason calves never grow.
• •Pause a full second at both the top and the stretch position.
• •Train calves often; they recover fast and can handle frequent work.