Bigger Stronger Leaner

Tip: Do the Donkey Calf Raise

Looks weird, but it works better than standard calf exercises. Here's how to do it.

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Arnold did this exercise by piling multiple sweaty men onto his back. But he's Arnold, and Arnold could get away with that. Here's a less-weird looking way to do this classic calf builder, no sweaty dudes or specialized machines required.

Donkey Calf Raise

Strap on a loaded dipping belt and stand on a block or whatever you have handy, toes on the edge. Bend at the waist and do calf raises. You can perform them bilaterally (both legs) or unilaterally (one leg at a time). Hold the bottom stretched position for two seconds and hold the top position for at least one second, contracting hard.

If you haven't tried this one in a while, get ready for some intense soreness, regardless of how many standing and seated calf raises you've been doing.