We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Donkey Calf Raise?

Dan Cavallari
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 8,191
Share

A donkey calf raise is a type of exercise that strengthens and tones the calves as well as the hamstrings. It can be done with one or two people, and as the name suggests, when it is done with two people, a partner will straddle the person as if he or she is riding a donkey. This is a difficult exercise when done with a partner, though a donkey calf raise can be a mild to moderate exercise when done alone. To do this exercise, a person will need an elevated platform as well as a stable, sturdy object on which to stabilize himself.

Some people use hexagonal dumbbells as the platform. Two dumbbells placed on the ground provide a stepping surface on the dumbbell handle, though other safer options are available. A step on a staircase can be used, as can a stable box or exercise platform. The platform will need to be placed a short distance away from a chair or other stable object on which a person can brace himself during the exercise. If the donkey calf raise is being done with a partner, the stable object will need to be quite strong and immovable. Some machines at the gym suit this purpose well, as do some heavy tables.

A person will start a donkey calf raise by standing on the platform using just the balls of the feet. He or she will let the heels of the feet drop toward the floor, thereby stretching the calf muscles. The person will then lean forward at the waist and grasp the chair or other stable object. The body should be bent at close to a 90 degree angle with the arms and legs all slightly bent. Once in position, the person will raise his or her weight using the calf muscles so the heels become level with the balls of the feet. For added resistance, he or she can raise the heels above the balls of the feet, hold the position, then drop back down to the starting position. This motion should be repeated several times to complete one set.

The same donkey calf raise motion can be done with a partner straddling the person's lower back. The partner will essentially sit on the person's hips, thereby adding a significant amount of resistance to the donkey calf raise exercise. This should only be done by advanced users, as this can be a dangerous exercise that can lead to injury.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Dan Cavallari
By Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari, a talented writer, editor, and project manager, crafts high-quality, engaging, and informative content for various outlets and brands. With a degree in English and certifications in project management, he brings his passion for storytelling and project management expertise to his work, launching and growing successful media projects. His ability to understand and communicate complex topics effectively makes him a valuable asset to any content creation team.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-donkey-calf-raise.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.