Best Calves Workouts With Dumbbells For Men

About

Dumbbells are a highly versatile equipment piece, offering benefits such as isolating the weight to each hand for enhanced stability and addressing muscular imbalances.

Calf muscles, located at the back of the lower leg, are primarily responsible for plantar flexion and can be targeted effectively through specialized exercises like calf raises.

While exercises are generally equally effective for all, this workout may consider typical metrics for men averaging 5’10”, 180 lbs, and 35 years old when setting reps and weights, though individual capabilities will undoubtedly vary.

Using a single dumbbell can increase core engagement, adding complexity and benefits to the routine.

The 5 Best Calves Exercises with Dumbbells for Men

Ranked By

Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Standing Dumbbell Calf Raise

    SETS LOGGED
    370,742
    Calves Strength
    96 mScore
    Calves
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Standing Dumbbell Calf Raise is a strengthening exercise that focuses on your calf muscles. By using dumbbells, you can increase resistance to make your calves work harder than with just your bodyweight.

    How to do it

    The Standing Dumbbell Calf Raise is a strengthening exercise that focuses on your calf muscles. By using dumbbells, you can increase resistance to make your calves work harder than with just your bodyweight.

    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 2. Dumbbell Calf Raise to Shrug

    SETS LOGGED
    30,191
    Calves Strength
    84 mScore
    Calves
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Dumbbell Calf Raise to Shrug works your calves, shoulders, and upper back in one move. You will raise your heels while lifting your shoulders, improving both strength and posture.

    How to do it

    The Dumbbell Calf Raise to Shrug works your calves, shoulders, and upper back in one move. You will raise your heels while lifting your shoulders, improving both strength and posture.

    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 3. Dumbbell Calf Raise to High Pull

    SETS LOGGED
    20,294
    Calves Strength
    82 mScore
    Calves
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells

    The Dumbbell Calf Raise to High Pull is a combined exercise that strengthens your calves and improves your Olympic lifting skills. It helps build overall strength and power by incorporating both calf raises and a pulling motion.

    How to do it

    The Dumbbell Calf Raise to High Pull is a combined exercise that strengthens your calves and improves your Olympic lifting skills. It helps build overall strength and power by incorporating both calf raises and a pulling motion.

    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 4. Seated Dumbbell Calf Raise

    SETS LOGGED
    185,712
    Calves Strength
    95 mScore
    Calves
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Seated Dumbbell Calf Raise is an exercise that targets your calf muscles while seated for better stability. Using dumbbells on each leg helps ensure equal strength development between both sides.

    How to do it

    The Seated Dumbbell Calf Raise is an exercise that targets your calf muscles while seated for better stability. Using dumbbells on each leg helps ensure equal strength development between both sides.

    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 5. Seated Dumbbell One-Leg Calf Raise

    SETS LOGGED
    91,345
    Calves Strength
    93 mScore
    Calves
    Photo of Dumbbells
    Dumbbells
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Seated Dumbbell One-Leg Calf Raise is a simple exercise that targets your calf muscles. By sitting down, you add stability and can focus more on the movement. This exercise is done one leg at a time, allowing for extra rest for the opposite leg.

    How to do it

    The Seated Dumbbell One-Leg Calf Raise is a simple exercise that targets your calf muscles. By sitting down, you add stability and can focus more on the movement. This exercise is done one leg at a time, allowing for extra rest for the opposite leg.

    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Workouts with Dumbbells for Men

Alternative Calves Workouts with Dumbbells

Alternative Calves Workouts for Men