# Standing Calf Raise (Dumbbell)

> A calf raise on the edge of a step with a dumbbell in each hand that builds your calves.

Page: https://fitnessie.app/exercises/dumbbell-standing-calf-raise/
Type: Dumbbell · Isolation
Demo video: https://fitnessie.app/demos/standing-calf-raise-dumbbell/e6a1882c91d149ca.mp4

## How to do it

1. Stand with the balls of both feet on the edge of a step, heels hanging off, a dumbbell in each hand at your sides.
2. Keep your knees straight and your body tall.
3. Lower your heels below the step until you feel a full stretch in your calves.
4. Rise as high as you can by extending your ankles and pause with your calves squeezed.
5. Lower under control back to the stretch.

## Key cues

- Balls of the feet on the edge
- Legs straight, body tall
- Full stretch at the bottom
- Rise as high as you can
- Pause and squeeze at the top

## Common mistakes

- Cutting the stretch short at the bottom
- Not rising all the way up
- Bending your knees to help the lift
- Dropping quickly instead of lowering under control

## Muscles worked

- Primary: Calves

## Equipment

Dumbbells and step or raised platform.

## Variations

- [Standing Calf Raise (Machine)](https://fitnessie.app/exercises/standing-calf-raise/)
- [Standing Calf Raise (Barbell)](https://fitnessie.app/exercises/barbell-standing-calf-raise/)
- [Standing Calf Raise (Smith Machine)](https://fitnessie.app/exercises/smith-machine-standing-calf-raise/)

## References

- [StrengthLog: Standing Calf Raise](https://www.strengthlog.com/standing-calf-raise/)
- [BarBend: Calf Raise](https://barbend.com/calf-raise/)