If you are looking to tone up and strengthen the muscles in your calf and your lower leg, then calf raises are the best leg exercise you can do. The calf muscle is important for supporting your leg during other exercises like walking and running. It can be easily pulled too, so it needs to be strong.

Adding the calf raise to your routine should be easy. When you are ready to start, you will want to grab a chair, so you can balance yourself during the calf raises. Also, you need to be able to move your leg smooth. Too erratic and you are going to make yourself uncomfortable and the exercise ineffective. It’s not bad to do this exercise slowly, especially if you are unsure of your balance and your leg strength. Keep your own pace and do as many as you can. Here’s how to do it:

* Position yourself behind the chair with both hands on the chairback. This will keep you balanced.

* Keep those legs straight.

* Lift yourself onto your toes, while keeping your heels off the floor. Make sure you’re comfortable.

* Hold that position for a few seconds.

* Lower your heels to the floor. This should put you back in your starting position.

* To make the most of this exercise, repeat it 5-10 times. As you get comfortable, increase the number.