Stand on one leg and lift your heel to rise onto the ball of the foot, working the calf muscles. Hold a dumbbell for added resistance.
How to do the Single Leg Standing Calf Raise (Dumbbell)#
- Hold a dumbbell at your side and stand on one foot with the other foot lifted slightly off the floor.
- Keep your torso upright and maintain a soft (not locked) knee on the standing leg.
- Press through the ball of the foot to raise your heel as high as possible.
- Pause briefly at the top, then lower your heel slowly and under control toward the floor.
- Repeat for the prescribed reps, then switch legs.
Muscles worked#
- Primary: Calves
Common mistakes#
- Bouncing at the bottom instead of lowering under control.
- Allowing the ankle to roll inward or outward.
- Leaning the torso forward for balance.
- Locking or overly bending the standing knee, reducing calf engagement.
