The 1 leg calf raise holding a dumbbell is a great exercise for working the calves at home without machines. Set up by grasping a dumbbell in your right hand and standing on the edge of a calf raise block or step with the balls of your feet on the edge.

Take your right leg and hook it behind your left.

Let your left heel drop as far as possible. This is the starting position.

Keeping your body straight and eyes facing forwards, raise your left heel up as far as possible.

Pause and squeeze the calf muscle, and then slowly lower your heal back down as far as possible.

Repeat for desired reps, and then repeat on the right leg.

Exercise Tips:

Always work your weakest side first.For most people this is the left.

Use the maximum range of motionby pushing up as high as you can and letting your heel drop as far as possible.

Keep the rep timing slow and control the weight on the way down.