ex_VSAF5O

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Lower Legs · Kettlebell

Kettlebell Calf Raise

intermediatestrengthMale & female model

Kettlebell Calf Raise is an intermediate isolation strength exercise that works the calves (lower legs), with the forearms assisting. It needs a kettlebell. A typical prescription is 3 sets of 10-15 reps, and it burns about 5.5 calories per minute.

Target: Calves
Body part: Lower Legs
Equipment: Kettlebell
Category: Strength
Mechanic: Isolation
Force: Push
Sets × reps: 3 × 10-15
Calories / min: ≈ 5.5 kcal

Primary muscles

Calves · Gastrocnemius, Soleus

Secondary muscles

Forearms · Forearm Flexors, Forearm Extensors

How to do Kettlebell Calf Raise

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and hold a kettlebell in each hand by your sides.
Press through the balls of your feet and raise both heels as high as you can.
Pause briefly at the top while keeping your legs straight and your body upright.
Lower your heels to the floor with control, then repeat.

Form tips

Keep your knees straight without locking them.
Raise your heels without leaning forward.
Lower your heels slowly through the full range of motion.
Exhale as you rise and inhale as you lower.

Kettlebell Calf Raise alternatives

Smith Machine Calf Raise

Calves · beginner

Landmine Calf Raise

Calves · intermediate

Dumbbell Seated Calf Raise

Calves · beginner

Standing Calf Raise Resistance Band

Calves · beginner

More calves exercises

Bodyweight Standing Calf Raise

Calves · beginner

Dumbbell Standing Calf Raise

Calves · beginner

Donkey Calf Raise

Calves · intermediate

Kettlebell Seated Calf Raise

Calves · beginner

Calf Raise Clap

Calves · advanced

Kettlebell Single Leg Calf Raise

Calves · intermediate

Dumbbell Standing Calf Raise on Step

Calves · beginner

Barbell Standing Leg Calf Raise

Calves · intermediate

Kettlebell Calf Raise FAQ

What muscles does Kettlebell Calf Raise work?

Kettlebell Calf Raise mainly works the calves in the lower legs (Gastrocnemius and Soleus). The forearms work as secondary muscles.

What equipment do you need for Kettlebell Calf Raise?

You need a kettlebell.

How many sets and reps of Kettlebell Calf Raise should I do?

Start with 3 sets of 10-15 reps. Pick a load or variation where the last one or two reps are hard but your form stays clean.

Is Kettlebell Calf Raise good for beginners?

It's rated intermediate. Beginners can work up to it once they control simpler lower legs exercises.

How many calories does Kettlebell Calf Raise burn?

About 5.5 calories per minute for a person of around 70 kg, based on a MET value of 4.5. Ten minutes of work is roughly 55 calories; heavier people burn more.

What is a good alternative to Kettlebell Calf Raise?

Other exercises for the calves include Smith Machine Calf Raise, Landmine Calf Raise, Dumbbell Seated Calf Raise and Standing Calf Raise Resistance Band.

For developers

Use Kettlebell Calf Raise in your app

Get this exercise and 1,900+ others from the WorkoutX API: 720p MP4 animations at 30 fps without the watermark, male and female models, muscles, instructions and form tips in 7 languages.

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# One request returns the exercise and its 720p media links
curl "https://api.workoutxapp.com/v2/exercises/ex_VSAF5O" \
  -H "X-WorkoutX-Key: YOUR_API_KEY"

{
  "id": "ex_VSAF5O",
  "name": "Kettlebell Calf Raise",
  "model": "male",
  "counterpartId": "ex_OUMB72",
  "target": "Calves",
  "equipment": "Kettlebell",
  "media": {
    "mp4": "https://…/ex_VSAF5O/mp4-720.mp4?…",
    "poster": "https://…/ex_VSAF5O/poster.jpg?…"
  }
}