Barbell Standing Calf Raise

Bar on the back, toes on a step: rise to the top of the range and lower to a full stretch.

Barbell Standing Calf Raise, illustrated

How to do it

Setup

Bar on the upper back, balls of the feet on a step, heels hanging.

Steps

  1. Rise as high as the ankles allow.
  2. Pause at the top.
  3. Lower into a full stretch below the step.

Common mistakes

Bouncing out of the stretch: pause down there. Knees bending into a leg drive: legs long; ankles only. Balance stealing the set: rack the bar near a support.

Breathing

Exhale rising, inhale lowering.