How to do a Calf Raise
- Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, near a wall for balance if needed.
- Push through the balls of your feet to lift your heels.
- Rise as high as you can onto your toes.
- Squeeze your calves at the top for a beat.
- Lower your heels slowly back to the floor.
- Repeat for the interval, staying controlled.
Keep in mind
- Rise as high as you can and pause at the top.
- Lower slowly until you feel a stretch through the heel.
- Keep the ankles tracking straight instead of rolling outward.
- Rest a hand on a wall so you can put all the effort into the calf.
Common mistakes
- Bouncing on the tendon — pause at the top and at the bottom.
- Rolling onto the outer edge of the foot — keep pressure under the big toe.
- A tiny range of motion — all the way up and all the way down is the whole point.
Breathing
Breathe out as you rise, in as you lower.
Take care
Achilles tendons dislike sudden volume — build the reps up over weeks, especially after time away from training.
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