Standing calf raise with a band

Standing on the middle of an exercise band with its ends held at the shoulders: the two-leg standing raise against added elastic resistance.

Calf raise family

Standing calf raise with a band

Harder option

Standing on the middle of an exercise band with its ends held at the shoulders: the two-leg standing raise against added elastic resistance.

DemandEasy

Equipment requiredA band

Muscle focusCalves

Gets into position, then repeats the movement. Technical checks passed; qualified exercise review is pending.

Watch it bigger, and flip through similar moves, in the studio.Open in the studio

Source-researched guide. Clinical review is pending.

How to move

Stand on the middle of a band with the balls of the feet, holding the ends at the shoulders so it is taut.
Rise onto the balls of the feet as high as you can.
Lower slowly to the floor.

Form cues

Keep the body tall; the calves do the lifting.
Shorten the band to make it harder.

Practice and cautions

No universal dose is assigned. Choose a manageable amount for your current capacity, leave room for controlled repetitions, and allow recovery. A clinician’s individual plan takes priority.

This is movement education, not an assessment or treatment prescription. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, dizziness, numbness or tingling; seek individual guidance for symptoms, injury or restrictions.

Add to a routine Log a session

Sources and review status

Sources support the educational description; they do not establish that this exercise is suitable for you.

Silbernagel 2020 · Conservative management of Achilles tendinopathy (two legs, then one, then a step, then added load in a leg press or Smith machine; J Athl Train) ↗
Free Exercise DB · community text ↗
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5

No variation is labeled clinically validated.

Loading movement options…

What it works

Muscles

Main: Calves.

Equipment

A band

Level

Beginner. See the easier and harder options above.

Similar moves

Single-leg calf raise from a step demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoSingle-leg calf raise from a stepIntermediate · A step + A wall

Rocking standing calf raise demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoRocking standing calf raiseIntermediate · A barbell

Smith machine calf raise demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoSmith machine calf raiseIntermediate · Strength machine + Weight plates

Standing barbell calf raise demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoStanding barbell calf raiseIntermediate · A barbell

Standing calf raise (machine) demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoStanding calf raise (machine)Intermediate · Strength machine

Standing dumbbell calf raise demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoStanding dumbbell calf raiseIntermediate · A dumbbell

Browse more

Questions people ask

What muscles does the Standing calf raise with a band work?

Mainly the calves.

What equipment do I need for the Standing calf raise with a band?

A band.

Is the Standing calf raise with a band good for beginners?

It is graded beginner, so it suits most people starting out. When it feels easy, try the Donkey calf raise.

What is an easier alternative to the Standing calf raise with a band?

Try the Slow calf raise. Both are written steps in the same progression.

How do I make the Standing calf raise with a band harder?

Progress to the Donkey calf raise, or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.