Exercise How To:
Calf Raises
Muscles Worked: Calf muscles.
Starting Position: Hold on to the stair rail or wall. Your feet should be about shoulder width apart, a few inches away from the wall. It is best if you can do calf raises on a stair or on a step, but you can do these on a flat floor if you do not have stairs or exercise equipment.
Action: While holding onto the wall for stability, stand up on your toes as high as you can. Slowly lower your heels back to the ground without letting your heels touch the ground.
Again, elevate your heels off the ground and stand on your toes to reach your highest point. Return back to the starting position without your heels touching the ground.
Perform three sets of calf raises with 12 to 15 repetitions per set. After performing this exercise you should feel a burn, or tightness in the back of your lower leg.
Muscles Worked:
More Exercises Requiring No Equipment
Ab Twist
Back and Forth Lunges: Body Weight Only
Lunges: Body Weight Only
Push Ups: Body Weight Only
Squat with Calf Raise: Body Weight Only
Squats: Body Weight Only
Flutter Kicks
Glute Kickbacks
Jog in Place
Modified Pushup
Pilates Crunch
Pilates Crunch with 45-Degree Hold
Planks
Side Seated Leg Lifts
Superman
Triceps Dips
Wall Sits
Tips for Calf Raises
1. Beginners should perform calf raises at a slow pace to avoid injury to the Achilles tendon which is the large tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel of the foot.
2. If calf muscles are sore the next day, you can apply an ice pack to the Achilles tendon or the calf muscle to reduce pain and inflammation associated with muscle soreness.
3. Performing 3 sets of Calf Raises, with 12-15 repetitions per set.