Standing dumbbell calf raise

How to do it

1. Stand with a dumbbell in each hand and the balls of your feet on a step or plate.
2. Let your heels drop below the level of your toes to stretch.
3. Push through the balls of your feet, raising your heels as high as possible.
4. Squeeze your calves at the top for a moment.
5. Lower under control until you feel the stretch at the bottom.

Common mistakes

• Bouncing at the bottom instead of controlling the stretch
• Using too little range
• Bending the knees to gain momentum

Other variations

• Standing machine calf raise
• Leg press calf raise
• Seated dumbbell calf raise