Exercise Comparison
Ankle Circles vs Seated Calf Raise
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.
Seated Calf Raise
Sit on the machine and place your toes on the lower portion of the platform provided with the heels extending off. Choose the toe positioning of your choice (forward, in, or out) as per the beginning of this chapter.
Place your lower thighs under the lever pad, which will need to be adjusted according to the height of your thighs. Now place your hands on top of the lever pad in order to prevent it from slipping forward.
Lift the lever slightly by pushing your heels up and release the safety bar. This will be your starting position.
Slowly lower your heels by bending at the ankles until the calves are fully stretched. Inhale as you perform this movement.
Raise the heels by extending the ankles as high as possible as you contract the calves and breathe out. Hold the top contraction for a second.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Verdict
Both exercises target the calves. Ankle Circles is a beginner exercise using none, while Seated Calf Raise is beginner and uses machine. Choose Ankle Circles if you have access to none, or Seated Calf Raise if you prefer machine.