Strength exercise
Barbell Calf Raise
How to do it
- Position a loaded barbell across the upper back and shoulders, gripping it wide for stability, and stand with feet hip-width apart.
- Set the balls of the feet on a raised surface or flat ground with heels free to drop below the toes.
- Lower the heels down slowly to feel a full stretch through the calves before reversing direction.
- Press up onto the toes as high as possible, driving through the balls of the feet.
- Pause briefly at the top before lowering back down under control for the next rep.
- Exhale on the way up and inhale on the way down, avoiding the common fault of bouncing at the bottom instead of controlling the descent.
Muscles worked
CalvesMuscles located at the back of the lower leg, responsible for plantar flexion of the foot. All Calves exercises
Related Calves exercises
- Type
- Strength
- Equipment
- Barbell, Weight Plates
- Primary muscles
- Calves
- Measured in
- Reps and weight
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