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Lower Legs Exercise · Barbell

Barbell Seated Calf Raise exercise animation

Barbell Seated Calf Raise

Category
Lower Legs
Equipment
Barbell
Target
Calves

The seated calf raise targets the soleus more than the gastrocnemius, since bending the knee while seated takes the two-joint gastrocnemius mostly out of play. That makes it a useful complement to standing calf raises rather than a replacement, since together they cover both major calf muscles. Pause at the top of each rep for a real contraction rather than bouncing through the range.

How to Do the Barbell Seated Calf Raise

  1. Sit on a bench with your feet flat on the floor and rest a barbell across your thighs.
  2. Set the balls of your feet on an elevated surface, like a step or block.
  3. Keep the barbell settled across your thighs, holding it steady with both hands.
  4. With your back straight and core braced, push your heels upward by extending through your ankles.
  5. Hold briefly at the top of the raise, then lower your heels slowly back to the start.
  6. Repeat for your target rep goal, keeping your core engaged and avoiding any reliance on momentum.

Calorie Burn & Set Tracker

Sets
3
Reps / Set
10
Active Timer
00:00
Estimated Burn
0 kcal

Muscles Worked

The Barbell Seated Calf Raise primarily targets the Calves, with Hamstrings as the primary synergist muscle group, along with the Quadriceps.

More Lower Legs Exercises

Ankle Circles Ankle Circles Body Weight · Calves Assisted Lying Calves Stretch Assisted Lying Calves Stretch Assisted · Calves Band Single Leg Calf Raise Band Single Leg Calf Raise Band · Calves Band Single Leg Reverse Calf Raise Band Single Leg Reverse Calf Raise Band · Calves Band Two Legs Calf Raise - (band Under Both Legs) V. 2 Band Two Legs Calf Raise - (band Under Both Legs) V. 2 Band · Calves Barbell Floor Calf Raise Barbell Floor Calf Raise Barbell · Calves

More Calves Exercises

Barbell Seated Calf Raise Barbell Seated Calf Raise Barbell · Calves Barbell Standing Calf Raise Barbell Standing Calf Raise Barbell · Calves Barbell Standing Leg Calf Raise Barbell Standing Leg Calf Raise Barbell · Calves Barbell Standing Rocking Leg Calf Raise Barbell Standing Rocking Leg Calf Raise Barbell · Calves Bodyweight Standing Calf Raise Bodyweight Standing Calf Raise Body Weight · Calves Box Jump Down With One Leg Stabilization Box Jump Down With One Leg Stabilization Body Weight · Calves

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have barbell? These target the same calves with different equipment.

Ankle Circles Ankle Circles Body Weight · Calves Assisted Lying Calves Stretch Assisted Lying Calves Stretch Assisted · Calves Band Single Leg Calf Raise Band Single Leg Calf Raise Band · Calves Cable Standing Calf Raise Cable Standing Calf Raise Cable · Calves

FAQ

What muscles does the Barbell Seated Calf Raise work?
The Barbell Seated Calf Raise primarily targets the calves, with the hamstrings and quadriceps assisting.
What equipment do I need for the Barbell Seated Calf Raise?
The Barbell Seated Calf Raise is done with a barbell.
What's a good alternative to the Barbell Seated Calf Raise?
If you don't have access to a barbell, the Ankle Circles targets the same calves using body weight instead.