FormTwin › Exercises › Calf Raise

What muscles does the Calf Raise work?

The calf raise is the primary movement for building the calves — a muscle that responds to a full stretch and lots of quality reps.

Primary muscles worked

Secondary muscles worked

See these muscles on your own body

FormTwin gives you a living 3D twin of your anatomy. Tap any muscle to see how to train it, and watch the muscles you work light up as you log your sessions.

Get FormTwin — free on the App Store

How to do the Calf Raise

  1. Stand with the balls of your feet on a step or block.
  2. Let your heels drop below the step for a full stretch.
  3. Press up onto your toes as high as you can.
  4. Pause at the top, then lower slowly through the stretch.

Common mistakes

Variations

Seated calf raiseSingle-leg calf raiseLeg-press calf raise

Frequently asked questions

What muscles do calf raises work?

Standing calf raises mainly target the gastrocnemius (the larger, visible calf muscle), while seated calf raises — done with a bent knee — bias the soleus underneath. Training both develops the full calf.

Why won't my calves grow?

Calves respond to a full stretch, a pause, and higher volume than most people give them. Slow the reps down, load the bottom stretch, and train them a few times a week.

Standing vs seated calf raise?

Standing (straight-leg) raises hit the gastrocnemius; seated (bent-knee) raises hit the soleus. For complete calves, include both.

Related exercises

DeadliftBack SquatBench PressPull-UpPush-Up

This guide is general fitness information, not medical advice. Muscle involvement varies with form, grip and individual anatomy. Consult a professional before starting a new program.