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Sergio DolzTRAIN
GymIntermediateFree routine

Calves at the gym · supplementary strength

Main focus: calves, with preparation and supplementary movements. There are 10 movements in total, not all hard sets for the same muscle. Start with one set of the main exercises if returning to training.

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Strength training in a bright gym. AI-generated image.
Strength training in a bright gym. AI-generated image.
Approximate duration
46 min
Level
Intermediate
Session
10 exercises
Demonstrations
10 with video

Prepare your workout

Equipment
Chair, Light load, Fixed support and Wall; Clear gym space
Before you choose
General option for adults. Check each exercise's equipment and avoid improvised supports.
Intensity
Comfortable load with about 3 reps in reserve. You need not complete every set if technique worsens or you become tired.
Warm-up
Before the session, complete one gentle round of the three listed movements. Allow about 6 minutes for preparation, transitions and rehearsing the first exercise; extend this if needed. Rehearse the first exercise with light resistance before its sets, keeping breathing comfortable.

Duration is approximate. Prepare your equipment and take the indicated rests; needing more rest can make the workout longer.

PREPARE TO MOVE

Your warm-up

Start with this gentle preparation before your working sets. The listed duration includes the warm-up.

  1. Knee-raise march

    60–90 s at a comfortable pace

    Stand in a clear area to march on the spot or move slowly forward. Raise one knee comfortably, coordinating the opposite arm. Place the foot down with control and alternate in a steady rhythm.

    What you train: Trains arm-leg coordination and balance while raising each knee.

    Watch video
  2. Supported calf raise

    1 × 6 gentle repetitions

    Stand beside a firm support with weight shared between both feet. Slowly raise both heels without shifting forward. Lower with control until your whole feet are grounded.

    What you train: Strengthens the calves and trains ankle control when rising onto your toes.

    Watch video
  3. Supported standing hamstring curl

    1 × 5 gentle repetitions per side

    Stand holding a fixed support, knees close and trunk upright. Bend one knee to lift the heel back without moving the thigh forward or arching. Lower slowly and change legs.

    What you train: Works hamstrings with balance support.

    Watch video
STEP BY STEP

Your complete workout

10 exercises
  1. Supported ankle mobility

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Place one foot near a wall with the whole sole grounded.
    2. Move your knee forward in line with your toes, keeping the heel down.
    3. Return slowly and repeat with the other ankle.

    What it trainsTrains ankle mobility with the foot grounded.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    With your foot planted near a wall, move your knee forwards without lifting your heel. Return and repeat.

    Technique cueStay within a comfortable range; your knee need not touch the wall.

    Watch the demonstration for Supported ankle mobilityNHS University Hospitals Plymouth Physiotherapy · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Move your foot closer to the wall.
    To progress
    Move your foot slightly further away if you can keep your heel down.
    Avoid this mistake
    Forcing your ankle or rotating your foot to gain distance.
    View exercise guide
  2. Toe and foot-arch control

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Sit with feet grounded and toes relaxed, without loading the outer foot edge.
    2. Lift only the big toe, keeping the other four down.
    3. Lower it and lift the other toes; alternate slowly, using a hand if needed.

    What it trainsTrains independent toe control and awareness of foot contact.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Sit with feet grounded. Try lifting the big toe while the others stay down, then reverse. Use your hand to help while learning.

    Technique cueSeparate big-toe movement from the others, even with a small range.

    Watch the demonstration for Toe and foot-arch controlSharp HealthCare · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Public source and video reference located; YouTube oEmbed HTTP 200 metadata (title: Toe Yoga Exercise for Plantar Fasciitis; channel: Sharp HealthCare; player offered). Full playback and audio are not certified.

    Date checked:

    The official page describes the seated variation. Follow your card's repetitions without forcing your toes.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Once you complete the prescribed amount with control, add one or two repetitions; then slightly increase resistance.
    Avoid this mistake
    Loading the outer edge of your foot.
    View exercise guide
  3. Single-leg calf raise

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Hold a firm support and shift your weight onto one foot.
    2. Raise that heel without swinging your body.
    3. Lower slowly until the heel rests, then change legs.

    What it trainsStrengthens each calf and trains control on one foot.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Hold a support and raise the heel of your standing leg. Lower slowly, then complete the other side.

    Technique cueRise only as high as you can keep your ankle stable.

    Watch the demonstration for Single-leg calf raisePeak Physio · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Author's page, movement description and oEmbed metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. Full playback, framing and audiovisual quality require manual review; player availability does not establish them.

    Date checked:

    Individual demonstration of the single-leg variation. Lower slowly and retain support.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Use both feet.
    To progress
    Hold a light dumbbell while keeping your support.
    Avoid this mistake
    Bouncing to complete the final repetitions.
    View exercise guide
  4. Bent-knee calf raise

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Hold a fixed support and slightly bend both knees.
    2. Raise both heels without changing the knee bend.
    3. Lower slowly, keeping the same knee angle.

    What it trainsWorks the calf with emphasis on the soleus.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Hold a support with knees slightly bent. Raise both heels and lower slowly without fully straightening your knees.

    Technique cueKeep knees slightly bent throughout.

    Watch the demonstration for Bent-knee calf raiseFoundation Podiatry Townsville · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Original source with iframe and oEmbed HTTP 200 checked by agent ui_v14; title, author and player match. This does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Keep both knees bent while raising and lowering heels. Use this card's stable support and prescription.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Once you complete the prescribed amount with control, add one or two repetitions; then slightly increase resistance.
    Avoid this mistake
    Continuously changing your knee angle.
    View exercise guide
  5. Seated calf raise

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Sit on a stable chair, feet grounded and knees bent.
    2. Raise both heels while forefeet stay on the floor.
    3. Lower slowly without bouncing into the next repetition.

    What it trainsWorks the calves while seated, especially the soleus.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Sit with feet grounded, raise heels and lower slowly. For extra resistance, rest a light load on your thighs away from the kneecaps.

    Technique cueIf adding a light load, place it on the thighs away from kneecaps.

    Watch the demonstration for Seated calf raisePhysitrack · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Official page HTTP 200; title, movement instructions and VideoPlayer offering a video checked. Full playback and audio not checked.

    Date checked:

    The video demonstrates the unloaded base movement; add load only if the card permits it and you retain control.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Once you complete the prescribed amount with control, add one or two repetitions; then slightly increase resistance.
    Avoid this mistake
    Bouncing or placing a load on your knee.
    View exercise guide
  6. Supported calf-raise hold

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Stand beside a firm support with weight shared between both feet.
    2. Raise both heels to a comfortable height for the prescribed hold.
    3. Breathe throughout and lower your heels slowly.

    What it trainsTrains calf endurance through a stationary heel-raise hold.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Raise your heels with stable support and hold a comfortable position for a few seconds. Lower slowly.

    Technique cueFinish before you start losing ankle stability.

    Watch the demonstration for Supported calf-raise holdE3 Rehab Exercise Library · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Keep both feet supported and shorten the hold.
    To progress
    Alternate placing a little more weight on each leg.
    Avoid this mistake
    Holding until you lose control of your ankle.
    View exercise guide
  7. Supported toe raise

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Stand beside a fixed support with both heels grounded.
    2. Lift the fronts of your feet without shifting your body back.
    3. Slowly lower until your whole feet rest on the floor.

    What it trainsStrengthens the front lower-leg muscles that lift your toes while walking.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    With a fixed support within reach and both heels on the floor, lift the front of your feet. Lower your toes slowly and repeat.

    Technique cueUse a small range and the support to stay steady.

    Watch the demonstration for Supported toe raiseBromley Healthcare · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Do it seated with your heels supported.
    To progress
    Add a one-second pause at the top.
    Avoid this mistake
    Rocking back on your heels or losing your support.
    View exercise guide
  8. Gentle foot-arch activation

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Sit with your foot grounded and toes long and relaxed.
    2. Gently draw the toe bases towards the heel without curling or lifting toes.
    3. Hold the small contraction for three seconds, then fully relax.

    What it trainsTrains arch-supporting foot muscles without curling the toes.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    With your foot grounded, gently draw the toe bases towards your heel without curling or lifting toes. Hold three seconds and relax.

    Technique cueSeek a very small arch lift with straight toes.

    Watch the demonstration for Gentle foot-arch activationPhysitrack · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Official page HTTP 200; title, instructions and VideoPlayer with a non-null video resource checked. Full playback and audio not observed. Only the original page is linked.

    Date checked:

    Gently draw the forefoot towards the heel without curling toes.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Once you complete the prescribed amount with control, add one or two repetitions; then slightly increase resistance.
    Avoid this mistake
    Curling your toes like a claw.
    View exercise guide
  9. Gentle calf stretch

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Place hands on a wall and step one foot back, both feet facing forward.
    2. Bend the front knee while keeping the rear heel grounded.
    3. Hold gentle calf tension, return slowly and change sides.

    What it trainsGently stretches the calf with stable support.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Place your hands on a wall and step one foot back. Keep your back heel on the floor and gently bend your front knee until you feel a light stretch. Switch sides.

    Technique cueBreathe normally and hold without bouncing.

    Watch the demonstration for Gentle calf stretchBromley Healthcare · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Bring your back foot closer and reduce your lean.
    To progress
    Hold a comfortable position for a few seconds longer without seeking more tension.
    Avoid this mistake
    Forcing the stretch or lifting your back heel.
    View exercise guide
  10. Calm standing breathing

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Stand with feet firm, knees relaxed and shoulders down.
    2. Breathe in comfortably without shrugging or maximally filling your lungs.
    3. Exhale slowly and repeat the cycles in your session.

    What it trainsPractises calm standing breathing and awareness of chest and rib movement.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    With feet firm and knees relaxed, inhale without shrugging and exhale slowly. Complete five comfortable cycles.

    Technique cueUse a natural rhythm without forcing air in or out.

    Watch the demonstration for Calm standing breathingNHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Public source and video reference located; YouTube oEmbed HTTP 200 metadata (title: Long Covid: Film 3.3 - Retrain your breathing while standing; channel: NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight; player offered). Full playback and audio are not certified.

    Date checked:

    The resource teaches standing breathing technique; the card does not prescribe treatment for COVID or a respiratory disorder.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Once you complete the prescribed amount with control, add one or two repetitions; then slightly increase resistance.
    Avoid this mistake
    Becoming dizzy through breathing too fast.
    View exercise guide
FINISH THE SESSION

Finish and prepare your next step.

Walk slowly and breathe comfortably for 2–3 minutes. Allow at least one recovery day before repeating hard strength work for the same muscle group.

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General routines for adults. If you have a health condition, an injury, are pregnant or have medical instructions, consult your professional before starting and ask for adaptations. Stop if you experience pain, dizziness or unusual breathlessness.