Exercise Comparison
Balance Board vs Donkey Calf Raises
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Balance Board
Instructions
Balance Board
Place a balance board in front of you.
Stand up on it and try to balance yourself.
Hold the balance for as long as desired.
Donkey Calf Raises
For this exercise you will need access to a donkey calf raise machine. Start by positioning your lower back and hips under the padded lever provided. The tailbone area should be the one making contact with the pad.
Place both of your arms on the side handles and place the balls of your feet on the calf block with the heels extending off. Align the toes forward, inward or outward, depending on the area you wish to target, and straighten the knees without locking them. This will be your starting position.
Raise your heels as you breathe out by extending your ankles as high as possible and flexing your calf. Ensure that the knee is kept stationary at all times. There should be no bending at any time. Hold the contracted position by a second before you start to go back down.
Go back slowly to the starting position as you breathe in by lowering your heels as you bend the ankles until calves are stretched.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Verdict
Both exercises target the calves. Balance Board is a beginner exercise using other, while Donkey Calf Raises is intermediate and uses other. Choose Balance Board if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Donkey Calf Raises for a greater challenge. Balance Board is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Donkey Calf Raises isolates the target muscle for focused development.