Topic

Lower body

3 articles

Person performing a step-up on a box with one foot planted and torso upright

29 September 20266 min read

What Muscles the Step-Up Actually Works

The step-up mainly works the quadriceps and glutes, with the hamstrings and calves assisting. Form, step height, and control change how the load shifts rep to rep.

lower-body
strength-training
exercise-form

Person doing a standing calf raise beside a wall, heels lifted at the top

18 August 20263 min read

What Muscles the Standing Calf Raise Works

The calves do the main work in the standing calf raise, while the ankles and feet help stabilize each rep. Learn how load shifts through the lower leg and what clean execution looks like on video.

calves
lower-body
exercise-form

A lifter at the top of a standing barbell calf raise with heels lifted on a step

17 August 20263 min read

What the Barbell Calf Raise Actually Works

The barbell calf raise is a lower-leg exercise first. Full range, a brief top pause, and a controlled lower keep the work in the calves.

calves
lower-body
strength-training

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