Calf raises

Hips & legs · Standing · about 30 seconds · Updated 25 September 2026

Calf raises lift your heels off the floor while you hold the desk, then lower them slowly. The calf muscles help pump blood back up from the legs, so ten slow raises are an easy way to counter a long stretch of sitting still.

The Posture figure doing the calf raises — The calf raises as the Posture figure demonstrates it. The pink glow shows the area it works.

How to do the calf raises

Hold the desk or a chair back.
Rise slowly onto the balls of your feet.
Pause, then lower slowly.

What it works

Calves
Circulation

How long and how often

In a Posture break it's 10 slow reps, about 30 seconds in total, as part of the Hips & low back, Quick reset breaks. It's meant to be repeated through the day in short breaks rather than done once; doing it regularly matters more than the exact timing.

Tips

Straight up
Weight through your big toes
No bouncing

Who should skip it

Poor balance or a fall risk (hold the desk, or choose a seated move instead)

Move gently, in a comfortable range. Stop if you feel sharp pain, numbness, tingling or dizziness.

Try it with the guided 3D figure →