Exercise Comparison
Ankle Circles vs Calf Raise On A Dumbbell
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Instructions
Ankle Circles
Use a sturdy object like a squat rack to hold yourself.
Lift the right leg in the air (just around 2 inches from the floor) and perform a circular motion with the big toe. Pretend that you are drawing a big circle with it. Tip: One circle equals 1 repetition. Breathe normally as you perform the movement.
When you are done with the right foot, then repeat with the left leg.
Calf Raise On A Dumbbell
Hang on to a sturdy object for balance and stand on a dumbbell handle, preferably one with round plates so that it rolls as in this manner you have to work harder to stabilize yourself; thus increasing the effectiveness of the exercise.
Now roll your foot slightly forward so that you can get a nice stretch of the calf. This will be your starting position.
Lift the calf as you roll your foot over the top of the handle so that you get a full extension. Exhale during the execution of this movement. Contract the calf hard at the top and hold for a second. Tip: As you come up, roll the dumbbell slightly backward.
Now inhale as you roll the dumbbell slightly forward as you come down to get a better stretch.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Verdict
Both exercises target the calves. Ankle Circles is a beginner exercise using none, while Calf Raise On A Dumbbell is intermediate and uses dumbbell. Choose Ankle Circles if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Calf Raise On A Dumbbell for a greater challenge.