Donkey Calf Raise

Setup

• Place the balls of the feet on a step and hinge forward at the hips, supporting the upper body on a bench or rail.
• The load sits across the hips rather than the shoulders.

Execution

1. 1.Let the heels drop below the step into a full stretch.
2. 2.Press up onto the toes as high as possible with the knees straight.
3. 3.Pause at the top, then lower under control.

Breathing

Exhale as you rise, inhale as you lower.

Form cues

• Keep the hips hinged — that position is what makes this a donkey raise.
• Knees stay straight.
• Full stretch every rep.

Common mistakes

• Standing too upright and turning it into a standing calf raise.
• Bending the knees to get more height.
• Bouncing at the bottom.