Exercise library · Calves

How to Do Calf Raises - With Bands

Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the calf raises - with bands.

How to do it

1. Grab an exercise band and stand on it with your toes making sure that the length of the band between the foot and the arms is the same for both sides.
2. While holding the handles of the band, raise the arms to the side of your head as if you were getting ready to perform a shoulder press. The palms should be facing forward with the elbows bent and to the sides. This movement will create tension on the band. This will be your starting position.
3. Keeping the hands by your shoulder, stand up on your toes as you exhale and contract the calves hard at the top of the movement.
4. After a one second contraction, slowly go back down to the starting position.
5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Form tips

• Start light and own the movement before adding weight.
• Control the lowering phase — don't drop into it.
• Keep breathing; exhale on the hardest part.
• Stop if you feel sharp pain (different from muscle burn).

Workouts with this exercise

Similar exercises

Standing Calf RaisesCalves

Seated Calf RaiseCalves

Knee CirclesCalves

Calf PressCalves

Ankle CirclesCalves

Seated Calf StretchCalves

Gear for this exercise

Resistance bands setCheap, light and perfect for home workouts and warm-ups.See it on Amazon →Tube bands with handlesGym-like cable exercises at home.See it on Amazon →

Exercise photos and instructions: free-exercise-db (public domain). Animation made from the real start and end photos.