Calves · Dumbbell

Standing Dumbbell Calf Raise

An isolation movement that trains your calves, done with a dumbbell.

Standing Dumbbell Calf Raise, starting positionStanding Dumbbell Calf Raise, end position

Muscles you'll work

Standing Dumbbell Calf Raise muscles worked, front viewStanding Dumbbell Calf Raise muscles worked, back view
CalvesPrimary

How to do it

  1. Stand with your torso upright holding two dumbbells in your hands by your sides. Place the ball of the foot on a sturdy and stable wooden board (that is around 2-3 inches tall) while your heels extend off and touch the floor. This will be your starting position.
  2. With the toes pointing either straight (to hit all parts equally), inwards (for emphasis on the outer head) or outwards (for emphasis on the inner head), raise the heels off the floor as you exhale by contracting the calves. Hold the top contraction for a second.
  3. As you inhale, go back to the starting position by slowly lowering the heels.
  4. Repeat for the recommended amount of times.

More calf exercises

Single Leg Standing Calf Raise (Dumbbell)Calf Extension (Machine)Calf PressCalf Press On The Leg Press Machine
EquipmentDumbbell
TypeIsolation
Push or pullPush
LevelIntermediate

Log this lift and watch it climb

Every set you log gets checked against your history, so you know the moment you beat your best. Next session, you'll already know what to aim for.

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