Exercise Comparison
Balance Board vs Standing Dumbbell Calf Raise
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.
Standing Dumbbell Calf Raise
Stand with your torso upright holding two dumbbells in your hands by your sides. Place the ball of the foot on a sturdy and stable wooden board (that is around 2-3 inches tall) while your heels extend off and touch the floor. This will be your starting position.
With the toes pointing either straight (to hit all parts equally), inwards (for emphasis on the outer head) or outwards (for emphasis on the inner head), raise the heels off the floor as you exhale by contracting the calves. Hold the top contraction for a second.
As you inhale, go back to the starting position by slowly lowering the heels.
Repeat for the recommended amount of times.
Verdict
Both exercises target the calves. Balance Board is a beginner exercise using other, while Standing Dumbbell Calf Raise is intermediate and uses dumbbell. Choose Balance Board if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Standing Dumbbell Calf Raise for a greater challenge. Balance Board is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Standing Dumbbell Calf Raise isolates the target muscle for focused development.