All Exercises

Dumbbell Seated One Leg Calf Raise - Hammer Grip

Strengthen your calves with the dumbbell seated one leg calf raise. This isolation exercise targets the gastrocnemius, building strength and definition.

Intermediate
Isolation
Push
1 min per set2 min rest

Description

A single-leg calf raise performed while seated, using a dumbbell held with a hammer grip.

How to Do Dumbbell Seated One Leg Calf Raise - Hammer Grip

  1. 1
    Setup

    Sit on a bench with a dumbbell in one hand, resting it on the quad of the working leg, just above the knee, maintaining a hammer grip.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Place the ball of your working foot on an elevated surface, such as a step or weight plate, allowing your heel to hang off freely.

  3. 3

    Slowly lower your heel towards the floor, feeling a deep stretch in your calf muscle. Inhale during this eccentric phase.

  4. 4

    Drive through the ball of your foot, lifting your heel as high as possible and contracting your calf muscle forcefully at the top. Exhale as you push up.

  5. 5

    Hold the peak contraction briefly, then slowly and with control, return to the starting position to begin the next repetition.

Tips

  • Ensure your heel drops below the elevated surface at the bottom for a full stretch and rises as high as possible for a complete contraction.
  • Avoid bouncing or using momentum; focus on a slow, controlled tempo throughout both the eccentric and concentric phases to maximize muscle engagement.
  • Keep a firm hammer grip on the dumbbell, ensuring it remains stable on your thigh without sliding off during the movement.
  • Lightly brace your core to maintain a stable seated posture, preventing your upper body from rocking excessively.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Don't bounce off the bottom of the movement; instead, control the descent and use your calf muscles to initiate the upward push.
  • ×Avoid cutting the movement short at the top or bottom; fully extend your ankle at the peak and let your heel drop for a deep stretch.
  • ×Prevent the dumbbell from sliding by placing it securely on your quad and potentially using your free hand to stabilize it.

Variations

Related Exercises

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