Best Calves Exercises

This shortlist highlights 25 exercises that target the calves. It is a curated editorial roundup built from movement type, equipment, and difficulty data — not a lab ranking or coaching substitute.

How we chose these exercises

•We group exercises by the attribute a reader is most likely filtering on first, such as target muscle, equipment, or difficulty.
•We favor exercises with clear movement intent and dependable metadata for muscle group, equipment, and difficulty.
•Beginner-friendly movements and low-equipment options are surfaced earlier when the shortlist serves broad training intent.
•This page is a curated editorial ranking rather than a personalized training plan or medical recommendation.

Featured exercises

25 curated exercises for this shortlist.

Calf Press Using Leg Press Machine

Category: Compound
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: Soleus

Calf Raise using Hack Squat Machine

Category: Compound
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: Soleus

Calf Raises on Hackenschmitt Machine

Category: Compound
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: Soleus

Leg Press Toe Press

Category: Isolation
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: None

Sitting Calf Stretch (Dorsiflexion)

Category: Compound
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: Soleus

Ski Machine

Category: Compound
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: Lats, Traps, Triceps

Skipping - Standard

Category: Isolation
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: None

Sled Push

Category: Compound
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: Glutes, Quadriceps, Shoulders

Standing Calf Raises

Category: Compound
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: Soleus

Supported Calf Stretch

Category: Isolation
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: None

ankle dorsiflexion rocks

Category: Compound
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: Soleus

Calf raises, left leg

Category: Isolation
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: None

Calf raises, right leg

Category: Isolation
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: None

Calves foam roller

Category: Isolation
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: None

Double Leg Calf Raise

Category: Compound
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: Soleus

Exercise Band Plantarflexion

Category: Compound
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: Soleus

Lateral Push Off

Category: Compound
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: Hamstrings

Standing Calf Stretch

Category: Isolation
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: None

Talons fesses

Category: Compound
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: Hamstrings

Tibialis raises

Category: Isolation
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: None

Leg curl with elastic

Category: Compound
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: Hamstrings

Quadruped Hip Abduction

Category: Isolation
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: None

Seated Dumbbell Calf Raise

Category: Isolation
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: None

Single-Leg Lunge with Kettlebell:

Category: Compound
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: Glutes, Quadriceps

Single-leg side glute press

Category: Compound
Primary Muscle: Calves
Secondary Muscle: Glutes, Quadriceps

Training references

wger exercise database API — Source dataset used for exercise names, muscle targets, equipment, and difficulty tags.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best calves exercises?

Best Calves Exercises highlights options such as Calf Press Using Leg Press Machine, Calf Raise using Hack Squat Machine, Calf Raises on Hackenschmitt Machine. The right pick depends on your training goal, available equipment, and experience level.

How did you choose these calves exercises?

We curated this shortlist using muscle-targeting data, equipment tags, movement type, and difficulty so the page reflects practical training intent.

Should beginners start with every exercise in this calves list?

No. Start with the exercises that match your current technique, mobility, and equipment access, then progress as your form and strength improve.