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Exercise guide
Bodyweight Calf Raise
A beginner-friendly calf raise using body weight only on flat ground, strengthening the gastrocnemius and soleus.
What this exercise works
- Muscles
- gastrocnemius · soleus
- Goals
- hypertrophy
- Equipment
- No equipment
- Category
- Strength
- Difficulty
- beginner
Demonstration
Step 1
Step 2
How to perform the movement
- Stand with feet hip-width apart on a flat surface.
- Push up onto the balls of your feet as high as possible.
- Squeeze your calves at the top.
- Lower your heels back to the floor under control.
- Repeat for the desired number of reps.
Technique cues and common mistakes
- Control the lowering phase instead of dropping your heels quickly.
- Keep your ankles from rolling outward as you rise.
Make the movement easier or harder
- Use light fingertip support for balance if needed.