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Exercise guide
Single Leg Calf Raise
A unilateral calf raise that loads one calf at a time, exposing strength imbalances side to side.
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 on one foot with the ball of the foot on a raised platform, heel free.
- Hold a wall or rail for balance with one hand.
- Drop the heel below platform level for a deep stretch.
- Drive up onto the toes as high as possible.
- Lower under control. Complete reps per side, then switch.
Technique cues and common mistakes
- Pause at the top to maximize the contraction.
- Use a slow eccentric for full stretch.
- Hold a dumbbell on the working side once bodyweight is too easy.