How to do a calf raise

Setup:

1. Chair Placement: Position a sturdy chair against a wall for stability.
2. Foot Position: Stand in front of the chair, with the balls of your feet on the edge of the seat and your heels hanging off. Keep your toes facing forward.
3. Support: If needed, lightly place your fingertips on a wall or counter for additional balance.

The Lift:

1. Initiate: Brace your core, and keeping your legs straight, raise your heels by pushing through the balls of your feet.
2. Squeeze at the Top: Contract your calves hard at the top of the movement, getting as high onto your toes as possible.
3. Controlled Descent: Slowly lower your heels back down, stretching your calves fully at the bottom.
4. Reset: Breathe and prepare for the next repetition.

Tips:

• Range of Motion: Focus on a full range of motion – from maximum heel stretch at the bottom to a full contraction at the top.
• Variations: Experiment with single-leg calf raises for increased difficulty on each leg.