Calf Raise

What it is

This movement targets your calves, the muscles on the back of your lower leg. It primarily works your gastrocnemius and soleus, helping to improve ankle strength and stability. Perform this machine-based exercise to build powerful, defined calves.

Technique tips

• Position the balls of your feet on the block, with your heels extending off.
• Maintain a slight bend in your knees throughout the entire range of motion.
• Raise your heels as high as possible, fully extending your ankles and flexing your calves.
• Keep your knees stationary; avoid any bending or locking during the lift.
• Control the descent slowly, lowering your heels until your calves feel a deep stretch.
• Exhale as you lift your heels and inhale as you return to the starting position.

How to track your progress

Log reps, and add the extra load if you wear a belt or a vest. Straddly counts your bodyweight in the estimated max, so added weight and extra reps both show up as progress, and new records are flagged during the session.