Heel raises isolate and strengthen your calf muscles, the muscles in the back of your lower legs that help you climb, run, and walk. To do a heel raise, you’ll need a 4” tall platform, step, or board.

Choose a barbell that will enable you to do 8 to 12 repetitions of the exercise.

Hold the barbell in front of you with arms extended downward; place the balls of your feet on the platform. Rise up on your toes and the balls of your feet as high as you can raise them, and then slowly lower your heels as far as possible. Return to the starting position and do 8 to 12 reps.