Calves
Incline Calf Raise
The Incline Calf Raise is a strength exercise with no equipment for your calves. Share of the load in the Zulta muscle model: calves (gastrocnemius) 56% and calves (soleus) 36%.
How to do it
- Stand on a slant board with the toes pointing uphill, feet hip-width.
- Place your hands on a wall or rail in front of you for balance.
- Start with the heels low on the board and a stretch in the calves.
- Rise onto the balls of your feet as high as you can with straight knees.
- Pause at the top, then lower slowly back to the start.
Tips
- The incline gives a deeper starting stretch, so move slowly at the bottom.
- Keep the hips over the feet rather than leaning into the wall.
Common mistakes
- Bending the knees as the heels rise.
- Leaning into the wall and taking weight off the calves.
- Rushing the lowering phase.
Muscles worked by the Incline Calf Raise
Share per muscle in the Zulta muscle model. The model spreads the load of one rep over 40 muscles, based on EMG and biomechanics research.
Plantar flexion with a straight knee is led by gastrocnemius with soleus close behind; bending the knee slackens gastrocnemius and hands the work to soleus.
Incline Calf Raise alternatives
Same equipment
Different equipment
Make it harder
Similar exercises
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Incline Calf Raise work?
Mainly the calves (gastrocnemius) and calves (soleus).
Is the Incline Calf Raise good for beginners?
Yes. The Incline Calf Raise is rated beginner in the Zulta library: the technique is easy to learn with a light weight.
What is a good alternative to the Incline Calf Raise?
For example the Band Calf Raise, Cable Calf Raise and Calf Raise. They train mostly the same muscles, some with different equipment.
How do you make the Incline Calf Raise harder?
Add weight or reps, or move on to the Cable Calf Raise and Trap Bar Calf Raise.
Log your sets in Zulta
Zulta tracks your sets, weights and muscle load next to your running, riding or Hyrox training. The app opens soon.