Calf Exercises

Calf and lower-leg strength and stretch drills to support Achilles health, running performance, and return-to-sport after overuse or tendon pain.

Calves & Achilles 9 exercise videos Most use just a step, slant board, or bodyweight

Calf Raise Variations

Beginner–Intermediate

A series of different calf raise options to target both gastrocnemius and soleus and adjust difficulty based on pain and strength.

View exercise →

Calf Raise With Slant Board

Intermediate

Standing calf raises performed on a slant board to load the calf complex in a lengthened position, useful for Achilles tendon rehab.

View exercise →

Double Leg Calf Raise

Beginner

Basic two-leg calf raises to reintroduce loading through the calves with even weight distribution before progressing to single-leg work.

View exercise →

Eccentric Heel Drop

Intermediate

Classic eccentric protocol for Achilles tendinopathy: rise up with both legs, lower slowly on one to build tendon capacity and strength.

View exercise →

Isometric Calf Raise

Beginner

Hold at the top of a calf raise to create sustained tension that can help manage pain and build early strength without high movement loads.

View exercise →

Isometric Calf Raise With Wiggle

Intermediate

Top-position calf hold with small “wiggle” movements to add variability and challenge ankle and foot control while maintaining load on the calf.

View exercise →

Single-Leg Calf Raise

Intermediate–Advanced

Unilateral calf raises to build side-to-side symmetry, strength, and power—important for running and jumping performance.

View exercise →

Tibialis Posterior Calf Raise

Beginner–Intermediate

Calf raise variation biased toward the medial side of the foot to target tibialis posterior and support arch and ankle control.

View exercise →

Triplanar Dynamic Calf Stretch With Slant Board

Beginner–Intermediate

Dynamic calf stretch using a slant board with forward, sideways, and rotational movements to open up the ankle in all three planes.

View exercise →