How to Build Calf Muscles

The Best Leg Exercises for Building Stronger and Bigger Calves

The best leg exercises for building stronger and bigger calves are the ones that focus on the muscles of your lower legs.

It is important to note that calf muscles are made up of two different muscles, which are the gastrocnemius muscle and the soleus muscle. The gastrocnemius is more visible and responsible for giving your calf a larger look, while the soleus is not as visible but it provides stability to your joints.

The Most Effective and Affordable Ways People Have Used to Build Their Calves

The best way to build your calves is to do calf exercises. If you do not have time, you can try these calf exercises at home.

1. Do leg lifts with a towel wrapped around your toes

2. Put on a pair of ankle weights and stand on the edge of a stair

3. Stand on one foot and pull the other leg towards your chest while bending your knee

1. The Standing Calf Raise

The standing calf raise is a weight training exercise that involves raising the calves to a position above the hips, then lowering them.

The standing calf raise is a weight training exercise that involves raising the calves to a position above the hips, then lowering them. It can be performed using either dumbbells or resistance bands. The exercise primarily targets the gastrocnemius muscle and soleus muscle of the calf and can be used as an alternative for those who are unable to do seated calf raises because of knee pain or limited range of motion.

Standing Calf Raise

A weight training exercise that primarily targets gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of the calf, which are located in back of lower leg

Can be performed with dumbbells or resistance bands

Alternatives for seated calf raises

2. The Donkey Calf Raise

Donkey calf raises are a great exercise for strengthening your calves and Achilles tendon.

The donkey calf raise is a great exercise for strengthening your calves and Achilles tendon. This exercise is done with the help of a partner who would hold you in place by grabbing your ankle or lower calf. You would then bend down towards the ground, keeping your back straight and toes pointed forward. The partner would then lift you up, making sure that you don’t put any weight on your feet. You should feel the stretch in the back of your calves as they are being flexed and stretched upwards.

3. Towel-Assisted Calf Raises

Towel-assisted calf raises are one of the most effective exercises for building strong calf muscles.

The towel-assisted calf raise is an exercise that is performed by placing a towel under the balls of your feet. This exercise strengthens your calf muscles while protecting your Achilles tendon.

A towel-assisted calf raise can be done by sitting on the floor or on a bench in front of a step or chair with your toes hanging over and onto the towel, then lifting yourself up onto the toes and lowering down to rest on the balls of your feet.