Rocking Standing Calf Raise

What it is

This exercise strengthens your lower legs by performing both a standing calf raise and a subsequent toe raise. You hold a barbell across your shoulders for added resistance. This dual movement comprehensively targets your calves.

Technique tips

• Position the barbell across your upper back, not on your neck.
• Maintain a slight bend in your knees throughout the entire movement.
• Keep your torso straight and head up to help with balance.
• Lift onto your toes as high as possible, then rock back to lift your forefeet.
• Control both the heel raise and toe raise phases of the lift.
• Exhale as you lift and inhale as you lower each segment.

How to track your progress

Log the weight and reps of each set. Straddly turns every set into an estimated one-rep max, so a heavier single and a strong set of eight both count as progress, and it flags a personal record the moment you beat your best.