Barbell Calf Raise

Watch the video below to see a demonstration of proper form and technique for the barbell calf raise exercise. You can also check out some more calf exercise videos or find exercises for other muscle groups.

Instructions for Barbell Calf Raise

To perform a set of barbell calf raise:

1. Starting Position

   Start under a racked (just below shoulder height) barbell and place it at the top of your back with your feet shoulder width apart and trunk in a neutral position. Grab the bar with a pronated grip as far out as needed for comfort. Build tension in your trunk by contracting your back and abdominals before standing up and unracking the barbell.

2. Concentric (Upward) Motion

   While maintaining the tension in your trunk, push the ball of your feet into the ground to raise your heels into the air. Remember to breathe normally and continue holding the bar throughout the entire movement.

3. Top position

   Pause at the top position for a 1sec count while squeezing your calves.

4. Eccentric (Lowering) Motion

   Lower your heels back to the ground under control while maintaining whole body tension. Remember to grip the bar securely during the whole movement.

5. End position

   Repeat steps 1 through 4 until you have completed the desired number of barbell calf raise repetitions before re-racking the barbell.

This completes one set of barbell calf raise.