Weighted Donkey Calf Raise

CalvesFree WeightsIntermediate
1. Stand in front of a calf raise machine or a sturdy raised surface. 2. Place a weighted barbell across your shoulders or hold a dumbbell in one hand. 3. Position yourself facing away from the machine or surface, with your toes resting on the edge. 4. Keep your core engaged and your back straight. 5. Rise up onto your tiptoes, lifting your heels as high as possible. 6. Hold the peak position briefly, then slowly lower your heels back down to the starting position. 7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

How to perform the Weighted Donkey Calf Raise

  1. Set up. Set up in a stable, balanced starting position appropriate for the Weighted Donkey Calf Raise using your free weights.
  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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