How to do a Standing Kettlebell Calf Raise
Reviewed by Jim Parker, CPT, B.A. Kinesiology
Workouts with Standing Kettlebell Calf Raise
Target muscles worked
Instructions for Proper Form
This 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.
- Grasp a kettlebell in each hand. Position your feet on a sturdy surface with a lip a few inches high, such as a plate.
- Relax your calves to allow your heels to drop below the lip toward the floor.
- Contract your calves while pushing through the balls of your feet to raise your heels.
- Hold this position for a moment at the top of the movement.
- Slowly allow your heels to descend back to the starting position while maintaining tension in your calves.
- Maintain good posture by keeping a slight bend in your knees and your core engaged for stability.
- You should feel this exercise in your calves.
Weight & 1 Rep Max Calculator
Average Standing Kettlebell Calf Raise standards by male, female, weight, age and height
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- beginner8reps22.5lbs1 Rep Max30lbs
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Alternatives & Variations to Standing Kettlebell Calf Raise
1. Standing Dumbbell Calf Raise
83.1 mSCORESWAPPED 532 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.
2. Calf Press
91.6 mSCORESWAPPED 241 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.
3. Calf Raise
75 mSCORESWAPPED 236 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.
4. Seated Machine Calf Press
92.7 mSCORESWAPPED 216 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.
5. Single Leg Standing Calf Raise
72 mSCORESWAPPED 208 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.
6. Standing Barbell Calf Raise
87.1 mSCORESWAPPED 174 TIMESThis 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.
7. Standing Machine Calf Press
80.3 mSCORESWAPPED 127 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 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
- Calves
- Calf Raise Machine
8. Smith Machine Calf Raise
77.6 mSCORESWAPPED 110 TIMESThis 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.
9. Seated Dumbbell Calf Raise
73.7 mSCORESWAPPED 109 TIMESSeated 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.
10. Dumbbell Calf Raise to Shrug
38.4 mSCORESWAPPED 77 TIMESA 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.