calf raises

katy_trail
katy_trail Posts: 1,992 Member
edited January 20 in Fitness and Exercise
I've always seen these done standing, with both legs.
would there be any point on doing the single leg weighted version?

Replies

  • katy_trail
    katy_trail Posts: 1,992 Member
    ?
  • AmyMgetsfit
    AmyMgetsfit Posts: 636 Member
    I do weighted off of a little 1" high step, using both legs. Not sure what the advantage doing one leg at a time would be.
  • jesindc
    jesindc Posts: 724 Member
    It's harder. You tend to get better results the harder you push yourself. So if doing it with both legs is no longer a challenge, you may want to add weights and try single leg and see how it goes.
  • bumblebums
    bumblebums Posts: 2,181 Member
    Yes, you improve balance and stability when doing one-legged calf raises. You can also correct differences between your legs that way, if one leg is stronger than the other.
  • katy_trail
    katy_trail Posts: 1,992 Member
    ok thanks
  • littlebudgie
    littlebudgie Posts: 279 Member
    Along with what everyone else mentioned, doing them one-legged also means you're putting more weight on that leg.

    For example, if you're doing calf raises with both legs and 80lb of additional weight, each leg is supporting 40 lb + half your body weight. If you do them with one leg and 80lb of additional weight, then that one leg is supporting your entire body and the whole 80 lb.
  • katy_trail
    katy_trail Posts: 1,992 Member
    right this is why I was considering doing it, either now or in a few months, I'm finding it harder and harder to lift enough weight to challenge my lower body, since my upper body is about half as strong as my lower, but doing things like 1 leg squats, split lunges, 1 leg calf raises, I can hold less weight and still have a challenging workout.
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