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Bodyweight Walking Calf Raise

Beginner
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The Bodyweight Walking Calf Raise is performed using only body weight to target the calves. To perform, stand with feet shoulder-width apart, then raise onto the balls of your feet, lifting your heels off the ground. Engage your core and keep your back straight. While maintaining this elevated position, take small, controlled steps forward, avoiding any bouncing movement.

About Exercise

Equipment

Body Weight

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Calves

Secondary Muscles

Glutes, Tibialis Anterior

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Endurance
Stability
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Bodybuilding
Functional Training
Warm-up

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Calves

10/10

Gastrocnemius, Soleus

Glutes

3/10

Tibialis Anterior

3/10

Tibialis Anterior

Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-30 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-90 seconds

How to Perform

Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart. Elevate onto the balls of your feet, lifting your heels as high as possible while maintaining a straight, rigid posture.

  1. Engage your core and maintain balance on the balls of your feet.
  2. Take a small, controlled step forward without letting your heels drop.
  3. Transfer weight smoothly to the front foot while keeping the heel elevated.
  4. Continue taking small, deliberate steps for the desired distance or time.
  5. Keep the movement smooth and avoid bouncing or rocking side to side.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Stay tall and rigid
  • Heels stay high
  • Small, controlled steps
  • Walk on your toes

Breathing

Inhale before starting the walk; maintain steady, controlled breathing throughout the movement.

Tempo

N/A

Range of Motion

Maintain maximum heel elevation above the ground throughout the entire walking movement.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Stop immediately if you feel sharp pain in the Achilles tendon or calf.
  • Perform on a flat, non-slip surface.

Spotting

Not recommended; focus on balance and control.

Common Mistakes

  • Letting the heels drop too low
  • Bouncing or rocking side to side
  • Taking steps that are too large
  • Losing core tension and leaning forward

When to Avoid

  • Acute Achilles tendon injury
  • Severe ankle instability
  • Plantar fasciitis flare-up

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle plantarflexion range

Build Up First

  • Ability to perform a standard bodyweight calf raise

Also known as

Walking Calf Raise, Elevated Calf Walk, Calf Walk

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