Seated calf raise with a barbell

Performing this exercise with a barbell can be quite inconvenient. It's much easier and more enjoyable to do it with a partner. You should also place your feet on a platform. At the top position, make sure to pause.

If you want well-developed calves, combine seated and standing calf raises, as they target different muscles.

Nuances and Mistakes

1. A disadvantage of this exercise is that it can be uncomfortable to hold a heavy barbell on your thighs. Therefore, you can ask a friend to sit on your knees (or a girlfriend). Whatever you prefer! :)

2. It is essential to use a platform for your toes. Without it, the effectiveness of the exercise will be decreased by about twofold.

3. As an alternative, instead of a barbell, you can place weight plates on your thighs. Wide plates weighing 20-25 kg are quite convenient for this. However, you'll need a partner for this.

4. Remember that in this exercise, the soleus muscle is worked more than the gastrocnemius. Therefore, you need to train your calves both seated and standing.