Everybody remembers doing toe raises in physical education classes, but is the really the best of the calf exercises? When examining how to exercise the calf this is obviously a good starting point. Calf exercises for men need to develop strength and flexibility. Calf muscle exercises should target the gastrocnemius or the soleus muscles. This flexibility can prove crucial in preventing Achilles injuries. These muscles run down the leg and attach to the heel. Strengthening and lengthening these muscles with calf exercises is crucial for stability in the ankle joint. Dumbbell Calf Raises How to exercise the calf? A variation of those old toe raises is a great start. Dumbbell calf raises are one of the most versatile calf muscle exercises. The dumbbell calf raise is simple leg exercise that trains the gastrocnemius which is recognized as the muscle directly below the knee. Performed in a single leg manner, the toes of one foot are placed upon a raised surface while dumbbells are held in ...