How to do the Standing Calves
Standing Calves is a beginner single-joint isolation pushing exercise targeting the Calves in the Lower Legs region. Performed using bodyweight, it falls under the strength category. Secondary muscles engaged include Hamstrings and Glutes.
Standing Calves demonstration · © GymiaFit
Standing Calves at a glance
- Primary muscles
- Calves
- Secondary muscles
- Hamstrings, Glutes
- Equipment
- Body Weight
- Level
- Beginner
- Type
- Isolation (single-joint)
- Force
- Push
Standing Calves step by step
- 1Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes pointing forward.
- 2Raise your heels off the ground as high as possible, standing on your toes.
- 3Hold the position for a moment, then slowly lower your heels back down to the starting position.
- 4Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Standing Calves — questions
What muscles does the Standing Calves work?
The Standing Calves primarily targets the Calves. It also recruits the Hamstrings, Glutes as secondary movers.
What equipment do I need for the Standing Calves?
None — the Standing Calves uses your bodyweight only, so it works at home with nothing but floor space.
Is the Standing Calves suitable for beginners?
Yes. It is classed as a beginner movement: the pattern is simple enough to learn in a session and easy to scale by adjusting range of motion or load.
What can I do instead of the Standing Calves?
Ankle Circles, Bodyweight Standing Calf Raise, Calf Push Stretch With Hands Against Wall train the same muscles and make good substitutes when the equipment is taken or the movement does not suit you.
Log it, don't guess it.
The GymiaFit app has the Standing Calves demo, form cues and set logging built in — plus a muscle map that shows what you have actually trained this week. Free on iOS and Android.