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Slide show

Slide show: Weight training exercises

By Mayo Clinic staff
 

Photo of man doing calf raise

Calf raise

The calf raise is a body resistance exercise that strengthens the calf muscles in the back of your legs.

Stand with your feet slightly spread apart, your abdominal muscles tight and your back straight. Slowly rise up onto your toes, as shown here. Pause, and then return to the starting position. Repeat.

For greater challenge, hold dumbbells at your sides with your palms facing your body while you rise up onto your toes.

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References
  1. Jeffreys I. Warm-up and stretching. In: Baechle TR, et al. Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. 3rd ed. Champaign, Ill.: Human Kinetics; 2008:295.
  2. Pollock ML, et al. Resistance training for health. The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. http://www.fitness.gov/resistance.pdf. Accessed March 1, 2010.
  3. Peterson DM. Overview of the benefits and risks of exercise. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 1, 2010.
  4. Wilmore JH, et al. Principles of exercise training. In: Wilmore JH, et al. Physiology of Sport and Exercise. 4th ed. Champaign, Ill.: Human Kinetics; 2008:186.
  5. Earle RW, et al. Resistance training and spotting techniques. In: Baechle TR, et al. Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. 3rd ed. Champaign, Ill.: Human Kinetics; 2008:325.
  6. Harman E, et al. Administration, scoring, and interpretation of selected tests. In: Baechle TR, et al. Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. 3rd ed. Champaign, Ill.: Human Kinetics; 2008:249.
SM00041 July 2, 2010

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