Donkey Calf Raise
Muscles worked: Calves.
How to do it
- Set up in a donkey calf machine, or hinge forward and rest your forearms on a support.
- Place the balls of your feet on the platform or step, heels free.
- The bent-over position is the point - it stretches the gastrocnemius.
- Rise onto the toes, driving through the big toe, and squeeze the top.
- Lower slowly to a full stretch before the next rep.
Coaching cues
The two cues IronPack shows on this exercise's card mid-workout:
- Hinge at the hips - the bent-over position stretches the gastroc
- Slow all the way down, drive to the big toe
Logging it
IronPack suggests working in the 10 to 15 rep range, progressing in 5 kg jumps when you own the top of the range. Records are tracked automatically at every rep count from 1 to 12. Check your estimated 1RM from any hard set.
Related exercises
- Standing Calf Raise - calves
- Seated Calf Raise - calves
- Barbell Standing Calf Raise - calves
- Smith Machine Calf Raise - calves
Track the donkey calf raise properly
IronPack logs every set, tracks your records at every rep count, shows these form photos mid-workout, and turns the training into a card game you play with your mates.
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Steps, cues, muscle weighting and logging guidance are IronPack's own app data. Last generated 2026-08-16.