Calves
The muscles of the lower leg responsible for ankle plantar flexion.
Updated
The calves consist of the gastrocnemius (upper, visible portion) and soleus (deeper, lower portion). They point the toes (plantar flexion) and are important for walking, running, and jumping. Calf training includes standing raises (gastrocnemius emphasis) and seated raises (soleus emphasis).
Examples
- Standing calf raises: gastrocnemius
- Seated calf raises: soleus
- Often genetically determined in size
Exercises that train the calves
28 exercises in the library target the calves as their primary muscle.
Smith Machine Reverse Calf Raises
Strength · Machine
Standing Barbell Calf Raise
Strength · Barbell
Standing Calf Raises
Strength · Machine
Standing Dumbbell Calf Raise
Strength · Dumbbell
Standing Gastrocnemius Calf Stretch
Stretching · None
Standing Soleus And Achilles Stretch
Stretching · None
Ankle Circles
Stretching · None
Anterior Tibialis-SMR
Stretching · Other
Common questions
What is Calves?
The muscles of the lower leg responsible for ankle plantar flexion. The calves consist of the gastrocnemius (upper, visible portion) and soleus (deeper, lower portion).
What exercises train the Calves?
Good options include Smith Machine Reverse Calf Raises, Standing Barbell Calf Raise, Standing Calf Raises, Standing Dumbbell Calf Raise, Standing Gastrocnemius Calf Stretch. Each links to a step-by-step guide with demonstration images.
What are examples of Calves?
Standing calf raises: gastrocnemius; Seated calf raises: soleus; Often genetically determined in size.
Put it into practice
12-Week Muscle Building · £29
A 12-week, four-day hypertrophy plan in three phases, with a modest calorie surplus