Muscle Atlas
Calves
Gastrocnemius / Soleus
Gastrocnemius also crosses the knee; soleus does not.
Straight and bent knee positions change relative calf loading.
Open in interactive Muscle AtlasTraining-relevant regions
These labels help with training navigation. They are not presented as completely isolated muscles.
Exercises for this area
The selection is curated around training roles. It is not a ranking or a claim that one exercise is optimal for everyone.
Classic exercises
Standing Calf Raise
Machine
Well supported
Isolation exercises
Seated Calf Raise
Machine
Well supported
Classic exercises
Leg Press Calf Raise
Machine
Well supported
Isolation exercises
Single-Leg Standing Calf Raise
Bodyweight
Well supported
Bodybuilding Classics
Donkey Calf Raise
Bodyweight
Bodybuilding Classic
Bodybuilding Classics
Barbell Standing Calf Raise
Barbell
Bodybuilding Classic
Classic exercises
Bodyweight Standing Calf Raise
Bodyweight
Established
Isolation exercises
Eccentric Heel Drop
Bodyweight
Well supported
Bodybuilding Classics
Single-Leg Deficit Calf Raise
Bodyweight
Bodybuilding Classic