The 42 Best Calves Exercises
Ranked based on how effective each exercise is in building muscle strength. Learn More
Top 10
1. Calf Press
1,338,090 SETS LOGGED97.4 mSCOREThis exercise is a variation on the more common calf raise. Like the standard calf raise this isolation exercise primarily targets the calves. The use of a machine adds stability to the movement, as well as gives you more control over your resistance. It’s an effective exercise for building muscle mass and developing strength in your calves.
- Beginner
- Leg Press
2. Standing Dumbbell Calf Raise
463,937 SETS LOGGED96.1 mSCOREStanding Dumbbell Calf Raise is a weighted variation on the more standard Calf Raise. Like other variations, this is an isolation exercise that primarily targets your calves. Adding dumbbells allows you to add significantly more resistance than simply relying on bodyweight.
3. Seated Machine Calf Press
1,468,648 SETS LOGGED95.6 mSCOREThis exercise is a variation on the more common calf raise. Like the standard calf raise this isolation exercise primarily targets the calves. The use of a machine adds stability to the movement, as well as gives you more control over your resistance. It’s an effective exercise for building muscle mass and developing strength in your calves.
- Beginner
- Leg Press
4. Seated Dumbbell Calf Raise
222,926 SETS LOGGED95.2 mSCORESeated Dumbbell Calf Raise is a variation on the more standard Calf Raise. By performing this exercise from a seated position, you add significantly more stability to the movement. This allows you to focus on exertion rather than stability. By using a dumbbell on each leg, you ensure that you aren’t compensating for any lack of strength between sides.
5. Standing Barbell Calf Raise
890,124 SETS LOGGED94.7 mSCOREThis exercise is a barbell variation of the standard calf raise. Like the standard variation, this exercise primarily targets your calves. The use of a barbell allows you to increase the resistance for this exercise beyond just your bodyweight.
6. Standing Kettlebell Calf Raise
75,067 SETS LOGGED93.9 mSCOREThis exercise is a weighted variation of the more standard calf raise. Like the standard calf raise, this exercise primarily targets your calves. The use of a raised surface allows for greater range of motion which leads to better muscle activation. This is a great exercise for developing muscle mass and strength in your calves.
7. Seated Dumbbell One-Leg Calf Raise
104,850 SETS LOGGED93.4 mSCORESeated Dumbbell One Leg Calf Raise is a variation on the more standard Calf Raise. Like other variations, this is an isolation exercise that primarily targets your calves. By performing this exercise while seated, you add more stability to the exercise, and can focus on performing the exercise rather than balancing and stabilizing yourself in a standing position. By performing the exercise one leg at a time, you can focus your attention on the specific leg performing the exercise, as well as give yourself some additional rest time while your opposite leg is working.
8. Barbell Seated Calf Raise
102,894 SETS LOGGED93 mSCOREBarbell Seated Calf Raise is a variation on the more standard Calf Raise. Like other Calf Raises, this is an isolation exercise that targets your calves. By performing this exercise while seated, you add significantly more stability to the movement since you don’t need to worry about balancing to stay standing. This can help you focus more of your attention on exertion rather than stability.
9. Balance Trainer Front-Back Cross Jumps
6,909 SETS LOGGED92.5 mSCOREA explosive plyometric exercise using a balance trainer to enhance balance and agility. This exercise primarily targets the muscles in your lower body. Landing on the balance trainer adds a significant amount of instability to the movement which can help recruit smaller stabilizing muscles as well.
- Intermediate
- BOSU® Balance Trainer
10. Calf Raise
1,515,400 SETS LOGGED92.1 mSCOREThis bodyweight isolation exercise primarily targets the calves. It’s an effective exercise for developing muscle mass and increasing strength in your calf, and can be easily modified through a number of different variations.
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11. Smith Machine Calf Raise
462,681 SETS LOGGED91.7 mSCOREThis exercise is a Smith Machine variation of the standard calf raise. Like the standard version, this exercise primarily targets the calves. The use of a Smith Machine allows to increase resistance beyond just your bodyweight.
- Beginner
- Smith Machine
12. Standing Machine Calf Raise
290,100 SETS LOGGED91.2 mSCOREThis exercise is a variation on the more common calf raise. Like the standard calf raise this isolation exercise primarily targets the calves. The use of a machine adds stability to the movement, as well as gives you more control over your resistance. It’s an effective exercise for building muscle mass and developing strength in your calves.
- Beginner
- Calf Raise Machine
13. Balance Trainer Lateral Floor Toe Taps
7,756 SETS LOGGED90.8 mSCOREThis exercise is an explosive plyometric movement. By positioning one leg on the Balance Trainer, you add some instability to that leg in addition to giving yourself a softer surface to push off from. This is a great exercise for improving explosiveness and coordination.
14. Balance Trainer Lateral Cross Over Jumps
4,707 SETS LOGGED90.4 mSCOREA explosive plyometric exercise using a balance trainer to enhance balance and agility. This exercise primarily targets the muscles in your lower body. Landing on the balance trainer adds a significant amount of instability to the movement which can help recruit smaller stabilizing muscles as well.
15. Balance Trainer Toe Taps
23,427 SETS LOGGED89.9 mSCOREThis exercise is an explosive agility exercise that primarily targets your calves and quads. The balance trainer acts a guide for where to reach with your foot. This is a great exercise for improving quickness, agility and coordination.
16. Balance Trainer Lateral Jumps
3,993 SETS LOGGED89.5 mSCOREA explosive plyometric exercise using a balance trainer to enhance balance and agility. This exercise primarily targets the muscles in your lower body. Landing on the balance trainer adds a significant amount of instability to the movement which can help recruit smaller stabilizing muscles as well.
17. Single Leg Standing Calf Raise
309,846 SETS LOGGED89 mSCOREThis exercise is a unilateral variation of the standard calf raise. Like the standard version this exercise primarily targets your calves. However, by performing this exercise one leg at a time, you add instability to the movement which can better recruit smaller stabilizing muscles, as well as help you identify and address imbalances between sides.
18. Standing Machine Calf Press
613,332 SETS LOGGED88.6 mSCOREThis exercise is a variation on the more common calf raise. Like the standard calf raise this isolation exercise primarily targets the calves. The use of a machine gives you more control over your resistance, allowing you to better control the weight you’re moving. It’s an effective exercise for building muscle mass and developing strength in your calves.
- Intermediate
- Calf Raise Machine
19. Foam Roll Calves
320,330 SETS LOGGED87.3 mSCOREFoam Roll Calves is a self-myofascial release exercise that targets the calves. Using a foam roller, you apply pressure to the calf muscles by gently rolling back and forth. This exercise helps to relieve muscle tightness, improve flexibility, and promote blood flow. It's a great addition for anyone looking to enhance their recovery and reduce muscle soreness.
- Beginner
- Foam Roller
20. Seated Point And Flex
30,701 SETS LOGGED86.4 mSCORESeated Point and Flex is an isolation exercise that primarily targets the calves and lower legs. By positioning yourself on a bench or chair, you eliminate the need for balance, allowing you to focus on the movement. This is a great exercise for improving flexibility and strength in the calves, making it a beneficial addition to any lower body or flexibility routine.
21. AC-Skips
11,378 SETS LOGGED86 mSCOREAC-Skips are a plyometric drill focused on enhancing your speed, coordination, and hip mobility. By performing skipping movements with an added emphasis on arm drive and knee lift, you effectively engage the hip flexors and lower body muscles. This exercise is excellent for athletes aiming to enhance their acceleration and running mechanics.
- Intermediate
22. Ankle Circles
48,197 SETS LOGGED85.1 mSCOREAnkle Circles are an isolation exercise that targets the ankles and lower legs. This exercise involves rotating the ankle in a circular motion, which can help improve ankle mobility and stability. It's a simple yet effective movement, great for warming up before lower body workouts or for anyone looking to enhance ankle flexibility and reduce the risk of injuries.
23. Forward Line Hops
23,365 SETS LOGGED84.6 mSCOREForward Line Hops are a plyometric exercise that primarily targets the calves and lower body muscles while improving coordination and agility. This bodyweight movement involves hopping forward over a line repeatedly, making it an excellent addition for athletes looking to enhance their quickness and explosive power. It’s a simple yet effective drill for developing speed and lower body endurance.
24. Dumbbell Calf Raise to Shrug
43,099 SETS LOGGED84.2 mSCOREA compound movement that targets the calves, traps, and shoulders. Starting with a calf raise to activate the lower leg muscles, you transition into a shrug to engage the upper traps. This exercise efficiently works both lower and upper body regions, improving posture and functional strength, ideal for those aiming for comprehensive muscle engagement in a single movement.
25. Kettlebell Toe Walks
8,818 SETS LOGGED83.8 mSCOREThis exercise primarily targets your calves. By walking only on your toes, you force your calves to remain engaged and contracted for the duration of the exercise. This is an effective way to build function strength in your calves.
26. Prone Calf Stretch
240,407 SETS LOGGED83.3 mSCOREProne Calf Stretch is an isolation stretch that targets the calf muscles. This stretch involves lying face down and pulling your toes towards your shin to elongate the calf. It's an excellent way to improve flexibility and relieve tension in the calf muscles. This is particularly beneficial post-workout to aid recovery and reduce muscle soreness.
27. Forward 1-Foot Line Hop
16,423 SETS LOGGED82.9 mSCOREForward 1-Foot Line Hop is a plyometric exercise that primarily targets the lower body, focusing on the calves, quads, and hamstrings. By hopping on one foot over a line, it improves balance, agility, and coordination. This exercise increases explosiveness and speed, making it beneficial for athletic performance. It’s also a great way to add variety to lower body workouts.
- Intermediate
28. Lateral Line Hops
22,506 SETS LOGGED82.5 mSCORELateral Line Hops is a plyometric, bodyweight exercise that primarily targets the lower body. This exercise involves hopping side to side over a line, which improves agility, speed, and coordination. The lateral movement pattern establishes a strong foundation for sports that require quick shifts in direction. By engaging multiple muscle groups, it also fosters cardiovascular conditioning.
29. Dumbbell Calf Raise to High Pull
25,139 SETS LOGGED82 mSCOREA compound exercise combining calf raises with a high pull movement. This exercise is often used to help improve or work towards performing Olympic lifts, specifically recruiting your calves into your high pull. It’s an effective exercise for developing strength and power.
30. AB-Skips
11,234 SETS LOGGED81.6 mSCOREAB-Skips are a fast-paced, plyometric exercise that primarily targets the lower body, particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. This compound movement also engages the core for stability. The skipping motion with high knees mimics athletic sprinting drills, making it ideal for improving speed, coordination, and cardiovascular conditioning. This exercise is excellent for individuals aiming to boost their agility and running efficiency.
- Intermediate
31. Dumbbell Toe Walks
34,097 SETS LOGGED81.1 mSCOREAn exercise targeting the calves and enhancing lower leg stability. Holding dumbbells at your sides, you walk on your toes to engage the calf muscles. This movement improves balance, ankle stability, and strengthens the calves, making it beneficial for athletes and those looking to enhance lower body endurance.
32. Calf Raise to Shrug
18,181 SETS LOGGED80.7 mSCOREThis exercise combines a calf raise and a shrug. It’s often used as a way to work towards Olympic lifts, or improve certain aspects of those exercises. It’s an effective exercise for building explosiveness in both your calves and traps.
33. Smith Machine Reverse Calf Raises
29,493 SETS LOGGED79.8 mSCOREAn isolation exercise focusing on the calf muscles, performed on a Smith Machine. By positioning yourself on a raised surface, you increase your range of motion. Increasing your range of motion will help improve calf strength, and build muscle mass.
- Beginner
- Smith Machine
34. B-Skips
13,868 SETS LOGGED78.9 mSCOREB-Skips are a dynamic warm-up exercise that helps improve coordination, flexibility, and running mechanics. It primarily targets the hip flexors, quads, and calves. By lifting the leg higher and extending it forcefully forward in a skipping motion, this exercise mimics aspects of high-knee running and can enhance speed and agility, making it beneficial for athletes and runners.
35. A-Skips
24,944 SETS LOGGED77.2 mSCOREA-Skips are a plyometric exercise that primarily targets your lower body. This compound movement is great for improving speed, coordination, and agility. By driving your knees up and maintaining a rhythmic pattern, you also engage your core for stability. This is an excellent exercise for athletes looking to improve their sprinting form and explosive power.
36. Lateral 1-Foot Line Hop
18,193 SETS LOGGED76.8 mSCORELateral 1-Foot Line Hop is a plyometric exercise that primarily targets the lower body and improves lateral agility. By jumping side-to-side on one foot, it emphasizes the muscles in the calves, quads, and glutes. This exercise is great for enhancing balance, coordination, and explosive power, making it beneficial for athletes and anyone looking to improve their agility.
- Intermediate
37. TRX Calf Raise
47,764 SETS LOGGED72.8 mSCOREThis exercise is a variation on the more standard calf raise. Like the standard calf raise, this exercise primarily targets the calves. However, using a TRX strap allows you to lean forward and increase your range of motion and improving muscle activation.
38. High Knee Grape Vine/Carioca
8,090 SETS LOGGED69.7 mSCOREHigh Knee Grape Vine/Carioca is a dynamic movement that combines lateral footwork with high knee action. This compound exercise primarily targets your hip flexors, quads, and calves, while also improving coordination and agility. By crossing your feet over and under in a grapevine pattern and adding high knees, you enhance lower body endurance and improve lateral movement control, making it an effective drill for athletes.
- Intermediate
39. Heel Press
276,622 SETS LOGGED68.4 mSCOREHeel Press is an isolation exercise that primarily targets the glutes and hamstrings. This exercise involves extending your leg by pressing through your heel, which helps to better isolate the targeted muscles. The pressing action emphasizes muscle engagement and can help build strength and muscle mass in the glutes. It's a great addition for anyone looking to improve their lower body workouts with a focus on glute activation.
40. Deficit Calf Stretch
20,636 SETS LOGGED64.5 mSCOREDeficit Calf Stretch is an isolation exercise that targets the calves. By placing your toes on an elevated surface and your heels lower, you increase the stretch on the calf muscles, improving flexibility and range of motion. This is especially beneficial for individuals with tight calves or those looking to improve their mobility for other lower body exercises.
- Beginner
- Platforms
41. ACB-Skips
4,955 SETS LOGGED62.3 mSCOREACB-Skips are a dynamic compound movement that combines elements of an A-skip with a focus on driving the knees high and emphasizing a strong arm swing. This exercise primarily targets the quadriceps, glutes, and calves while also engaging the core for stability. The added emphasis on coordination and rhythm makes this an excellent drill for improving running form, speed, and agility.
42. Grape Vine/Carioca
2,352 SETS LOGGED3.1 mSCOREGrape Vine/Carioca is a dynamic, agility exercise that primarily targets the lower body, specifically the hip abductors and adductors. This compound movement involves stepping side to side while crossing one leg in front of and then behind the other. It’s excellent for improving coordination, balance, and lateral movement skills, making it highly beneficial for athletes and those looking to enhance their mobility and agility.