How to do a Deficit Calf Stretch
Reviewed by JP Michelsen, CPT, B.A. Kinesiology
About Deficit Calf Stretch
Platforms
Target muscles worked
Instructions for Proper Form
Deficit 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.
- Position yourself on the edge of a platform, or other raised, stable surface. You may want to position your platform near a wall, or other stable structure you can use to help maintain balance.
- Position your feet on the platform such that your heels are hanging off the edge.
- Allow your heels to drop.
- You should feel this stretch in your calves.
Alternative Exercises to Deficit Calf Stretch
1. Heel Press
8.4 mSCORESWAPPED 336 TIMESHeel 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.
- Beginner
- Calves
2. Calf Raise
75 mSCORESWAPPED 321 TIMESThis 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.
- Beginner
- Calves
3. Prone Calf Stretch
5.4 mSCORESWAPPED 296 TIMESProne 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.
- Beginner
- Calves
4. Standing Dumbbell Calf Raise
83.1 mSCORESWAPPED 112 TIMESStanding 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.
5. Single Leg Standing Calf Raise
72 mSCORESWAPPED 89 TIMESThis 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.
- Beginner
- Calves
6. Standing Kettlebell Calf Raise
53.4 mSCORESWAPPED 46 TIMESThis 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.
- Beginner
- Calves
- Kettlebells
7. Seated Point And Flex
2.9 mSCORESWAPPED 45 TIMESSeated 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.
- Beginner
- Calves
8. Seated Machine Calf Press
92.7 mSCORESWAPPED 39 TIMESThis 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
- Calves
- Calf Raise Machine
9. Ankle Circles
1.4 mSCORESWAPPED 36 TIMESAnkle 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.
- Beginner
- Calves
10. Calf Press
91.6 mSCORESWAPPED 36 TIMESThis 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
- Calves
- Leg Press