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Exercise Guide

How to do dumbbell seated calf raise

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The dumbbell seated calf raise specifically targets the soleus muscle, which lies underneath the larger gastrocnemius. By sitting and placing dumbbells on your knees, you emphasize this deep muscle of the lower leg. This exercise is crucial for building calf thickness and improving ankle stability, which is beneficial for both aesthetic goals and preventing injuries during various sports or physical activities.

Stats

DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Beginner
EQUIPMENT
Dumbbell, Bench
TARGET MUSCLES
Calves

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Position: Sit on the edge of a flat bench. Place a block or weight plate on the floor in front of you.
  2. Foot Placement: Place the balls of your feet on the block, with your heels on the floor.
  3. Weight: Rest a dumbbell on each of your thighs, close to your knees. Hold them in place with your hands.

The Movement:

  1. Raise: Press through the balls of your feet to raise your heels as high as possible.
  2. Squeeze: Squeeze your calf muscles (soleus) at the top of the movement and hold for a moment.
  3. Lower: Slowly lower your heels back towards the floor, getting a good stretch at the bottom.

Tips:

  • This is a great alternative if you don't have access to a seated calf raise machine.
  • The bent-knee position targets the soleus muscle, which lies underneath the gastrocnemius.
  • To increase the challenge, perform the exercise one leg at a time.

Common mistakes: Bouncing the weight, not reaching a full peak contraction, and using the hands to help lift the thighs.

Alternatives

Barbell

barbell standing calf raise

Calves
None

calf raise

Calves
Bench

donkey calf raise

Calves
Bench

barbell seated calf raises

Calves
Seated Calf Raise Machine

machine seated calf raise

Calves
None

standing calf raise

Calves
Dumbbell

dumbbell standing calf raise

Calves
Dumbbell

dumbbell seated calf raise

Calves
Barbell

barbell standing calf raise on riser

Calves
None

one leg floor calf raise

Calves
Standing Calf Raise Machine

machine standing calf raise

Calves
Smith Machine

smith-machine reverse calf raise

Calves