Barbell Calf Raise

Start

Finish

How to do it

Rack a bar on the upper back as for a squat with the balls of the feet on a low platform, then press up onto the toes through full range and lower the heels under control.

Muscles worked

Primary: calves · Also works: core

Equipment

Barbell, Full gym

Common mistakes

• Setting up without a rack or spotter, since the bar has to come off the back after a long set
• Swaying the torso forward and back to generate momentum
• Using a platform so tall that balance becomes the limiter rather than the calves

Variations

• In a Smith machine for a fixed bar path
• Flat floor version if a platform feels unstable

Can't do this one? Swap it for

• Standing Calf Raise
• Machine Standing Calf Raise
• Dumbbell Calf Raise
• Donkey Calf Raise

Related exercises

• Jump Ropecalves
• Standing Calf Raisecalves
• Single-Leg Calf Raisecalves
• Deficit Calf Raisecalves
• Donkey Calf Raisecalves
• Tibialis Raisecalves