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Walking Calf Raise

Beginner
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A bodyweight locomotion exercise that targets the calves to build lower leg endurance and ankle stability; commonly used for warm-ups or rehabilitation.

About Exercise

Equipment

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Calves

Secondary Muscles

Glutes, Tibialis Anterior

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Endurance
Stability
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Bodybuilding
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Calves

10/10

Gastrocnemius, Soleus

Glutes

3/10

Tibialis Anterior

3/10

Tibialis Anterior

Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-30 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-90 seconds

How to Perform

Stand upright with feet hip-width apart and arms at your sides or extended for balance.

  1. Rise up onto the balls of your feet, lifting your heels as high as possible.
  2. Maintain this elevation and take small, controlled steps forward.
  3. Keep your legs straight and core engaged throughout the movement.
  4. Ensure your heels do not touch the ground while walking.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Heels to the sky
  • Legs straight
  • Small steps
  • Stay tall

Breathing

Breathe naturally and rhythmically throughout the duration of the walk.

Tempo

Controlled

Range of Motion

Keep heels elevated at near-maximum height throughout the entire set.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Stop if you feel sharp pain in the Achilles tendon.
  • Ensure the walking path is clear of obstacles.

Spotting

Not recommended; use a wall for balance if needed.

Common Mistakes

  • Heels dropping
  • Bending knees
  • Walking too fast
  • Leaning forward

When to Avoid

  • Acute Achilles tendon injury
  • Severe ankle instability
  • Plantar fasciitis flare-up

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle plantarflexion range

Build Up First

  • Ability to perform a standard bodyweight calf raise

Also known as

Toe Walk, Elevated Calf Walk, Tip Toe Walk, Farmer Walk on Toes

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