Exercise guide
Band Two Legs Calf Raise - Band Under Both Legs
- Beginner
- Isolation
- Rep-based
- Lower legs
This isolation exercise targets the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, using a resistance band to provide constant tension and improve ankle stability. It is an effective way to build calf definition and strength without the need for heavy gym machinery.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart on a flat, stable surface.
- Place a long resistance band under the balls of both feet, ensuring it is centered and secure.
- Grip the ends of the band in each hand and pull them up toward your hips or shoulders to create significant starting tension.
- Stand tall with your shoulders back, core engaged, and a very slight bend in your knees.
How to do it
- Exhale as you push through the balls of your feet to lift your heels as high as possible.
- Pause at the top of the movement for one second, focusing on a hard contraction in the calf muscles.
- Inhale as you slowly lower your heels back to the floor using a controlled 3-second eccentric tempo.
- Touch your heels lightly to the ground before immediately beginning the next repetition to maintain tension.
Form checklist
- Keep your weight distributed across the balls of your feet, specifically driving through the big toes.
- Maintain a tall posture and avoid leaning forward or using your arms to pull yourself up.
- Ensure your knees remain slightly soft and do not lock out completely during the lift.
- Keep the movement strictly vertical; avoid rocking back onto your heels at the bottom.
Pro tips
- To maximize muscle fiber recruitment, imagine you are trying to push the floor away from you rather than just lifting your heels.
- Pause for a full second at the bottom of the rep to dissipate the 'stretch reflex' and force the calves to work harder from a dead stop.
Make it harder
- Perform the exercise with the balls of your feet on a slightly raised platform or step to increase the range of motion and stretch.
- Choke up on the resistance band to increase the tension, or use a thicker band for higher resistance.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the band two legs calf raise - band under both legs work?
- The band two legs calf raise - band under both legs primarily targets the calves, and also works the glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the band two legs calf raise - band under both legs?
- The band two legs calf raise - band under both legs uses resistance band.
- Is the band two legs calf raise - band under both legs good for beginners?
- Yes. The band two legs calf raise - band under both legs is a beginner-friendly movement and a strong foundation to build on.
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