Calf exercises
13 exercises in our library train the calves as a main muscle. They're grouped below by the equipment they need, from bodyweight to machines. Each one links to a page with every muscle it works, easier and harder versions, and alternatives.
By level: Beginner 11 · Intermediate 2.
By equipment
Bodyweight (2 exercises)
- Calf Raise Beginner
- Single-Leg Calf Raise Beginner
Dumbbells (2 exercises)
- Dumbbell Calf Raise Beginner
- Single-Leg Dumbbell Calf Raise Intermediate
Barbell (2 exercises)
- Barbell Calf Raise Beginner
- Single-Leg Barbell Calf Raise Intermediate
Machines (4 exercises)
- Leg Press Calf Raise Beginner
- Seated Calf Raise Beginner
- Single-Leg Machine Calf Raise Beginner
- Standing Calf Raise Beginner
Smith machine (1 exercise)
- Smith Machine Calf Raise Beginner
Power & plyometrics (2 exercises)
- Lateral Jump Beginner
- Pogo Jump Beginner
Turn these into a plan
The free generator builds a weekly strength plan around your goal, schedule and equipment, with sets, reps and loads. Premium (€29 once, no subscription) adds Overachiever Progression, cycle-based workouts, the Diet Planner and app exports.
Other muscle groups
Glutes · Quads · Back · Shoulders · Chest · Triceps · Hamstrings · Abs · Biceps · Lower back · Forearms · Obliques
By equipment
Bodyweight · Dumbbells · Barbell · Kettlebell · Cables · Machines · Smith machine · Resistance bands
Exercise data: Exercise Knowledge Graph by Giovanni Degani, incl. wger contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0. Version 1.3.2. Adapted from the Exercise Knowledge Graph; licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Attribution and sources · Download the data (JSON)