Standing Calf Raise
The Standing Calf Raise primarily works the Gastrocnemius (Lateral), Gastrocnemius (Medial), with secondary activation of the Soleus and stabilizer support from the Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis. It is a machine isolation exercise at beginner difficulty.
Machine or Smith machine calf raise in standing position.
| Equipment | Machine |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Type | Isolation |
| Movement | Extension |
| Force | Push |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Primary | Gastrocnemius (Lateral), Gastrocnemius (Medial) |
| Secondary | Soleus |
Muscles Worked
Front
Back
Primary
Secondary
Stabilizer
Primary Muscles
- Primary Muscle Gastrocnemius (Lateral) (calves)
- Primary Muscle Gastrocnemius (Medial) (calves)
Secondary Muscles
Stabilizer Muscles
- Stabilizer Muscle Rectus Abdominis (core)
- Stabilizer Muscle Transverse Abdominis (core)
Instructions
- Preparation: Position toes and balls of feet on calf block with arches and heels extending off. Place hand on support for balance. Execution: Raise heels by extending ankles as high as possible. Lower heels by bending ankles until calves are stretched. Repeat. Comments: Exercise step that will not overturn can be used as calf block. Keep knees straight throughout exercise or bend knees slightly only during stretch. Quadriceps serve as synergist muscle if knees are bent slightly during stretch. SeeCalf Exercise Analyses.
Alternative Exercises
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