Dumbbell Seated One Leg Calf Raise - Hammer Grip

Sit on a bench with a dumbbell in each hand. Place one foot on top of a weight plate, with the ball of your foot resting on the edge. Keep your other foot flat on the ground for stability. Grip the dumbbells with a hammer grip, palms facing inward. Slowly raise your heel as high as possible, while keeping your toes pressed into the weight plate. Pause at the top, then slowly lower your heel back down, maintaining control. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch to the other leg.

How to perform the Dumbbell Seated One Leg Calf Raise - Hammer Grip

  1. Set up. Set up in a stable, balanced starting position appropriate for the Dumbbell Seated One Leg Calf Raise - Hammer Grip using your dumbbell.
  2. Brace and execute. Brace your core, control the descent, and move through a full pain-free range of motion while emphasizing your calves.
  3. Reset. Reverse the movement under control and reset between repetitions, keeping your form crisp on every rep.

Coaching cues

  • Move with intent — every rep should feel deliberate, not rushed.
  • Drive force through your calves rather than momentum.
  • Keep your breathing steady: exhale on the hard part, inhale on the reset.

Common mistakes

  • Using too much weight and losing positional control.
  • Cutting the range of motion short and missing the target muscle.
  • Letting your spine round or hyperextend instead of staying neutral.

Detailed cues, common mistakes, and demonstration video are available in the Fitly app.

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