Do you want to have slim and strong calves? Calves are the muscles at the back of your lower legs. Sometimes, people want to make their calves look more toned and defined. The good news is that you can do simple exercises to help with that! These exercises are fun and easy; you can do them at home or outside.
This guide will share some cool exercises for slim calves. You don’t need any fancy equipment—just your body and a little bit of space. Whether you’re a beginner or someone who loves to stay active, these exercises are perfect for everyone. Let’s get moving and have fun while getting those calves in shape!
9 Effective Exercises To Reduce Cankles at Home:
Learn how to get slim calves with our easy-to-follow exercises. Perfect for beginners and anyone looking to enhance their leg strength. Let’s get started!
1. Calf Stretching with Foam Roller:
This is a workout that can be done with the foam roller, and it stretches the calf muscles.
How To Do:
- Sit on the floor with both legs stretched. Place both hands on either side of your back to lend support.
- Then, place both legs on the foam roller. Ensure that both knees are straight and don’t bend.
- Then, slowly lift the buttocks from the floor and push the body down so that the foam roller rolls up towards the knee.
- Repeat for about a minute, then do the same with the other leg.
- This does workouts for calves at least 3 times on both legs.
2. Standing Calf Raise Exercises with Dumbbells:
This workout suits calf muscles as it helps reduce the calf muscles and even tone them simultaneously.
How To Do:
- First, stand straight with both feet together, and the knees should not bend.
- Hold dumbbells in both hands; the back and shoulders should be straight and stretched.
- Ensure the core muscles are tight to maintain the balance.
- Slowly and gradually raise the balls of the feet in the air, such as lifting heels from the floor and waiting for 10 seconds.
- Then, return to the start position and repeat the same exercises for calves 15 times daily.
Read More: Exercise to Slim Thighs and Hips
3. Ankle Rotation:
This is a simple workout that helps to tone and reduce the fatty calf muscles deposited on the legs. It can be done at home by sitting in a chair or even standing.
How To Do:
The steps explained are while you are standing, but if you want to do them while you are seated, you just need to sit on a chair and perform the steps.
- Stand on both legs, feet apart, and place the hand on the sides.
- Now, slowly lift the right leg and start turning the foot inward. Stay in this position for a while and feel the pressure on the calf area.
- Then, similarly, the same is in an outward direction.
- Bring the leg to the starting position, and do the same on the right leg 10 times.
- Repeat the same exercises to slim calves for three sets on each leg.
4. Calf Raise Exercise in Seated Posture:
The exercise could be done while sitting on a chair, which exerts great pressure on the calf muscles.
How To Do:
- First, be seated on a chair or stool and place the feet on the floor or lift a box.
- Take a dumbbell in your hand, place it above the knee and exert pressure by pressing downwards.
- Then, slowly raise the toes as much as you can and feel the stretch in the calf muscles.
- Stay for a while in this position and come to the starting point.
- Repeat the same slim calves workout 15 times and see slim calves.
Read More: Lower Back Fat Burning Exercises
5. Virabhadrasana:
This workout strengthens the muscles of the feet and knees along with the calf muscles.
How To Do:
- Stand in a straight posture, feet hip-distance apart, arms at shoulder height, and turn to the right side.
- Breathe out, place the feet wide apart, and turn the right foot at 90 degrees and the left inward at about 45 degrees.
- Insert pressure on the left heel. Again, exhale and bend the right knee. Place both hands facing towards the ceiling and press the arms together.
- Slowly tilt the head back, look at the thumb, ensure that the left leg is straight, and stay in the same position for 30 seconds.
- Lower the arms and come back to normal position, so the same is true for the other side.
6. Squats with Raised Hands:
This workout can be done at home as it requires no equipment and is good for the upper leg and calf muscles.
How To Do:
- First, stand straight with feet apart, both hands placed on the sides.
- Then stretch and raise the hands upwards I as the fingers pointing towards the ceiling.
- Then, lower the body into a squat position by moving the balls of your feet and toes.
- Once you reach the lowest point, do as much as you can, then slowly try to stand and go back to normal posture, feeling the tension in the calf area.
- Repeat the same 10 times and rest while performing three sets at regular intervals.
Read More: Exercises to Get Rid of Saddlebags
7. Stretching Calf Workouts:
This workout is considered one of the best exercises to reduce calf fat as it stretches and even tones the calf muscles. It can also be done at home without any hassles.
How To Do:
- Stand straight with both feet together and hands on the sides.
- Then, lift the right leg, bend the knees, and place it in front of you as both legs are in the same line.
- Then, place the right hand on the thigh for support and the left hand on the waist to balance the body weight.
- Slightly turn the shoulders and waist on the right side.
- Ensure both feet are in contact with the floor. Now bend the right leg knee and feel the pressure on the left leg calf muscles.
- Hold the position for 10 seconds and come to rest position.
- Do the same for another leg. Repeat the same calf slimming exercises three times on both legs.
8. Raised Calf With Sumo Squats:
This is a workout to reduce the calf muscles and lend them strength.
How To Do:
- First, stand with both feet wider than hip-width. The hands should be placed on the waist or opened up straight on both sides, and the toes should be placed in a slightly turned-out posture.
- Bend both knees and lower your body in the squat posture.
- Try to hold the position, lift the heels, and press them back down to the floor. Ensure the hips do not rise; only both heels should arise above the floor.
- Then, slowly come back to the start position.
- Repeat the same calf raises exercises 10 times and relax the legs by shaking them.
Read Also: Exercises for Height Growth After 18
9. Adho Mukha Svanasana(Downward Facing Dog Pose):
Another yoga pose is through which the calf muscles can be stretched and strengthen the arms and legs.
How To Do:
- Place all four (hands and knees) on the floor and place both hands under the shoulder.
- Place both legs and feet on the floor. As you exhale, press the floor away from you and lift the hip back into an upside-down pose.
- Then try to keep the knees straight and take the hip up and away from you. Try to push the thighs and knees back.
- Pressurize the upper arms towards each other, shoulder blades pressed down along the spine, ensuring space in between the shoulders. Hold the position for 10 seconds and feel the pressure on the arms and calves.
- Slowly come to the starting point and do the same calf-strengthening exercises 3 times.
Overview:
Now that you know some easy exercises to get slim calves, it’s time to start! Remember to practice regularly and have fun while you’re working out. You can do these exercises at your own pace, and soon you’ll see great results. Believe in yourself, and enjoy the journey to stronger, slimmer calves. Happy exercising!