How to do the Dumbbell Single-leg Seated Calf Raise
Place a block on the floor about 12 inches from a flat bench.
Sit on a flat bench and place a dumbbell on your upper left thigh about 3 inches above your knee.
Now place the ball of your left foot on the block. This will be your starting position.
Raise your toes up as high as possible as you exhale and you contract your calf muscle. Hold the contraction for a second.
Slowly return to the starting position, stretching as far down as possible.
Repeat for your prescribed number of repetitions and then repeat with the right leg.
Sets and reps
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muscle growth | 2–4 | 10–15 | 1 min |
| Muscular endurance | 2–3 | 15–25 | 45 s |
When you hit the top of the rep range on every set, add 2 kg (5 lb) next session and work back up.
Starting points from training research. Stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure.
Muscles worked
Primary
Stubborn but trainable. Standing raises with straight knees load the gastrocnemius, seated raises the soleus; go through a full stretch.
Alternatives
Same muscles, similar movement: swap in one of these if the Dumbbell Single-leg Seated Calf Raise doesn’t suit your gym or your joints.
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