Legs · Dumbbell
Standing Calf Raise
How to do the standing calf raise, the muscles it works, and the mistakes to avoid. Pulled straight from the Kovo app's exercise library.
- Equipment
- Dumbbell
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Logged as
- Weighted reps
- Movement
- Calf Raise
- Mechanic
- Isolation
See it in motion
How to do it
Stand on elevated surface, balls of feet on edge, heels hanging off. Raise heels as high as possible, then lower back down below starting position.
- 1Stand on an elevated surface with your heels hanging off and rise up onto the balls of your feet; you should feel your calves contracting strongly
- 2Pause at the top to squeeze, then lower your heels below the platform to feel a stretch
- 3Keep your balance by lightly holding onto support if needed
Common mistakes
- Don't bounce at the top or bottom of the movement
- Avoid letting your ankles roll inward or outward, keep them aligned
- Don't lean forward or lock your knees; stay tall and controlled
Muscles worked
The standing calf raise mainly works the calves.
- CalvesPrimary
- QuadsMinor
- HamstringsMinor
Kovo programs the standing calf raise for you and tracks it every session.
The AI builds your whole program, drops the right lifts into each workout, and adjusts your weights as you get stronger. Free on iOS and Android.
More calves exercises
See all calves exercises →Last reviewed April 2026.