Bent Knee Calf Raises are a highly effective lower-body isolation exercise that specifically targets the soleus muscle of the calf. Performed with the knees slightly bent, this variation reduces the involvement of the gastrocnemius and shifts the focus to the deeper muscle layer of the lower leg. It’s ideal for building calf endurance, strength, and size, especially when included in hypertrophy-focused or athletic training routines. This exercise can be performed using just bodyweight or with added resistance such as dumbbells, a barbell, or a Smith machine.
