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Barbell Standing Calf Raise

With a bar on the back, rise onto the toes to full plantarflexion and lower to a deep stretch.

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Demo video from YouTube, played in its own player.

Muscles worked
Calves
Equipment
Barbell
Movement
Legs

Sets and reps

  • For strength: 3 to 5 sets of 3 to 6 reps, resting 2 to 3 minutes between sets.
  • For muscle: 3 to 4 sets of 6 to 12 reps (up to 15 on smaller lifts), resting 1 to 2 minutes, ending each set 1 to 3 reps short of failure (RPE 7 to 9).
  • Add a rep or a small amount of weight once every set reaches the top of the range at the same effort.

General ranges, not medical advice. Stop if anything hurts.

Variations

The same movement with other equipment or a different angle.

Alternatives

Other exercises for the calves, for when the barbell is taken or you want a change.

Questions

What muscles does the Barbell Standing Calf Raise work?
The Barbell Standing Calf Raise mainly works the calves.
What equipment do you need for the Barbell Standing Calf Raise?
A barbell.
How many sets and reps of the Barbell Standing Calf Raise?
For strength: 3 to 5 sets of 3 to 6 reps, resting 2 to 3 minutes between sets. For muscle: 3 to 4 sets of 6 to 12 reps (up to 15 on smaller lifts), resting 1 to 2 minutes, ending each set 1 to 3 reps short of failure (RPE 7 to 9). Add a rep or a small amount of weight once every set reaches the top of the range at the same effort.
What can I do instead of the Barbell Standing Calf Raise?
Ankle Dorsiflexion Mobilization, Donkey Calf Raise, Foam Roll Calves and Leg Press Calf Raise work the same main muscle.

Program it for your clients

Coaches add the Barbell Standing Calf Raise to any workout in CoachVana, set the sets, reps, load and rest, and clients see this demo as they train.

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See your setup in four steps

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