- For this exercise you will need access to a donkey calf raise machine. Start by positioning your lower back and hips under the padded lever provided. The tailbone area should be the one making contact with the pad.
- Place both of your arms on the side handles and place the balls of your feet on the calf block with the heels extending off. Align the toes forward, inward or outward, depending on the area you wish to target, and straighten the knees without locking them. This will be your starting position.
- Raise your heels as you breathe out by extending your ankles as high as possible and flexing your calf. Ensure that the knee is kept stationary at all times. There should be no bending at any time. Hold the contracted position by a second before you start to go back down.
- Go back slowly to the starting position as you breathe in by lowering your heels as you bend the ankles until calves are stretched.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Variations: If you don't have a machine available but have access to a calf block and a sturdy object to hold on to, you can perform this using as resistance a person sitting on your lower back (around the tailbone area).
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Review: Donkey Calf Raises
Apr 11, 2013 6:11 PM: yup
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Review: Donkey Calf Raises
Feb 1, 2013 8:11 PM: Saw someone do this for the first time a few days ago. I was wondering, what the...., I guess it will work I don't think there are any girls willing to hop on my back for a ride lol!
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Review: Donkey Calf Raises
Jan 26, 2013 10:57 PM: Does she come with this exercise!? Trying this
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Review: Donkey Calf Raises
Nov 12, 2012 6:08 PM: If that girl was on me during the lift, my calves would not be the only thing getting raised.
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Review: Donkey Calf Raises
Aug 16, 2012 8:26 PM: I just use a dip belt, a board under the feet, and a bench to hold onto.
This is the best exercise for the gastrocnemius.
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Review: Donkey Calf Raises
Jun 8, 2012 11:55 AM: I need to get me one of those weights for my back
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Review: Donkey Calf Raises
Jun 2, 2012 7:21 AM: I love this exercise, however what I do is fill a hiking back back with weights. Works the same and boy do my calves burn! You don't need a person-- you just need to be creative.
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Review: Donkey Calf Raises
May 17, 2012 2:29 PM: That looks good, too bad I have no one to do it with...
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Review: Donkey Calf Raises
May 17, 2012 2:29 PM: That looks good, too bad I have no one to do it with...
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Review: Donkey Calf Raises
Jan 17, 2012 8:42 AM: Then when your done try the donkey punch.