10 Best Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise Alternatives When No Sled

The Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise is done standing with a sled. Ranked closest by our scoring: the Lever Donkey Calf Raise, the Smith Machine Calf Raise and Smith Machine Reverse Calf Raises.

Updated Ranked by our 12-factor similarity model How it works

Original Exercise: Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise

Sled Forward Angled Calf RaisePlay demonstration
Primary muscle
Calves
Equipment
Sled
Difficulty
Intermediate
Type
Isolation

Secondary muscles: Hamstrings, Glutes

How to perform Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
  1. Adjust the sled machine to a comfortable weight and position yourself on the machine with your toes on the platform and your heels hanging off.
  2. Place your hands on the handles or the sides of the machine for support.
  3. Engage your calves and slowly raise your heels as high as possible, pushing against the resistance of the sled.
  4. Pause for a moment at the top of the movement, then slowly lower your heels back down to the starting position.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
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Ranked Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise Alternatives

10 substitutes, ranked by how closely each one matches the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise on movement pattern, muscles worked, equipment and body position. The higher the score, the less you change. Open "How to perform this exercise" on a card for the steps; every card title links to that exercise's own alternatives page.

  1. Best match
    Lever Donkey Calf RaisePlay demonstration

    1. Lever Donkey Calf Raise

    99% match
    • Calves
    • Lever
    • Intermediate
    • Isolation

    A good swap when you have a lever machine to work with, and it still works the calves.

    How to perform this exercise
    1. Adjust the leverage machine to the appropriate height for your body.
    2. Position yourself facing the machine, with your toes on the foot platform and your heels hanging off the edge.
    3. Place your hands on the handles or the support bars for stability.
    4. Engage your calves and lift your heels as high as possible, using the balls of your feet.
    5. Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your heels back down to the starting position.
    6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: calves, the same as the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
    • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
  2. Smith Machine Calf Raise

    2. Smith Machine Calf Raise

    99% match
    • Calves
    • Machine
    • Beginner
    • Isolation

    A good swap when you have a machine to work with, and it still works the calves.

    How to perform this exercise
    1. Place a block or weight plate below the bar on the Smith machine. Set the bar to a position that best matches your height. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step onto the plates with the balls of your feet and place the bar on the back of your shoulders.
    2. Take the bar with both hands facing forward. Rotate the bar to unrack it. This will be your starting position.
    3. Raise your heels as high as possible by pushing off of the balls of your feet, flexing your calf at the top of the contraction. Your knees should remain extended. Hold the contracted position for a second before you start to go back down.
    4. Return slowly to the starting position as you breathe in while lowering your heels.
    5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: calves, the same as the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
    • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
  3. Smith Machine Reverse Calf Raises

    3. Smith Machine Reverse Calf Raises

    99% match
    • Calves
    • Smith-machine
    • Beginner
    • Isolation

    A good swap when you have a Smith machine to work with, and it still works the calves.

    How to perform this exercise
    1. Adjust the barbell on the smith machine to fit your height and align a raised platform right under the bar.
    2. Stand on the platform with the heels of your feet secured on top of it with the balls of your feet extending off it. Position your toes facing forward with a shoulder width stance.
    3. Now, place your shoulders under the barbell while maintaining the foot positioning described and push the barbell up by extending your hips and knees until your torso is standing erect. The knees should be kept with a slight bend; never locked. This will be your starting position. Tip: The barbell on your back is only for balance purposes.
    4. Raise the balls of your feet as you breathe out by extending your toes 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 for a second before you start to go back down.
    5. Slowly go back down to the starting position as you breathe in by lowering the balls of your feet and toes.
    6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: calves, the same as the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
    • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
  4. Lever Rotary CalfPlay demonstration

    4. Lever Rotary Calf

    95% match
    • Calves
    • Lever
    • Beginner
    • Isolation
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Adjust the seat height so that your knees are slightly bent and your feet are flat on the footplate.
    2. Place your toes on the footplate, with your heels hanging off the edge.
    3. Grasp the handles or the sides of the machine for stability.
    4. Push through the balls of your feet, raising your heels as high as possible.
    5. Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your heels back down to the starting position.
    6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: calves, the same as the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
    • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
  5. Standing Calf Raises

    5. Standing Calf Raises

    95% match
    • Calves
    • Machine
    • Beginner
    • Isolation
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Adjust the padded lever of the calf raise machine to fit your height.
    2. Place your shoulders under the pads provided and position your toes facing forward (or using any of the two other positions described at the beginning of the chapter). The balls of your feet should be secured on top of the calf block with the heels extending off it. Push the lever up by extending your hips and knees until your torso is standing erect. The knees should be kept with a slight bend; never locked. Toes should be facing forward, outwards or inwards as described at the beginning of the chapter. This will be your starting position.
    3. 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.
    4. Go back slowly to the starting position as you breathe in by lowering your heels as you bend the ankles until calves are stretched.
    5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: calves, the same as the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
    • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
  6. Sled Lying Calf PressPlay demonstration

    6. Sled Lying Calf Press

    92% match
    • Calves
    • Sled
    • Beginner
    • Isolation

    Pick this when you want an easier version that still works the calves.

    How to perform this exercise
    1. Adjust the sled machine to a comfortable weight.
    2. Sit on the sled machine with your back against the pad and your feet on the platform.
    3. Place your toes and the balls of your feet on the edge of the platform, with your heels hanging off.
    4. Push the platform away from you by extending your ankles, keeping your knees slightly bent.
    5. Continue pushing until your calves are fully contracted.
    6. Hold the contraction for a moment, then slowly lower the platform back to the starting position.
    7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: calves, the same as the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
    • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
    • Body position: lying on your back, not standing
  7. Lever Seated Calf PressPlay demonstration

    7. Lever Seated Calf Press

    92% match
    • Calves
    • Lever
    • Beginner
    • Isolation
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Adjust the seat of the machine so that your shoulders are aligned with the lever pad.
    2. Place your toes on the lower portion of the platform and position your knees under the lever pad.
    3. Grasp the handles on the sides of the seat for stability.
    4. Press the lever pad down by extending your ankles, lifting your heels as high as possible.
    5. Pause for a moment at the top of the movement, then slowly lower your heels back down to the starting position.
    6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: calves, the same as the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
    • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
    • Body position: seated, not standing
  8. Lever Calf PressPlay demonstration

    8. Lever Calf Press

    91% match
    • Calves
    • Lever
    • Beginner
    • Isolation
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Adjust the seat of the leverage machine so that your shoulders are aligned with the lever pad.
    2. Place your toes on the lever pad, with your heels hanging off the edge.
    3. Grasp the handles or side supports for stability.
    4. Push the lever pad down by extending your ankles, contracting your calf muscles.
    5. Pause for a moment at the bottom of the movement.
    6. Slowly return to the starting position by allowing your heels to rise back up.
    7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: calves, the same as the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
    • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
    • Body position: seated, not standing
  9. Calf Raise On A Dumbbell

    9. Calf Raise On A Dumbbell

    88% match
    • Calves
    • Dumbbell
    • Beginner
    • Isolation
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Hang on to a sturdy object for balance and stand on a dumbbell handle, preferably one with round plates so that it rolls as in this manner you have to work harder to stabilize yourself; thus increasing the effectiveness of the exercise.
    2. Now roll your foot slightly forward so that you can get a nice stretch of the calf. This will be your starting position.
    3. Lift the calf as you roll your foot over the top of the handle so that you get a full extension. Exhale during the execution of this movement. Contract the calf hard at the top and hold for a second. Tip: As you come up, roll the dumbbell slightly backward.
    4. Now inhale as you roll the dumbbell slightly forward as you come down to get a better stretch.
    5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: calves, the same as the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
    • Equipment: free weights, not a machine
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
    • Balance: harder to stay steady on than the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
  10. Dumbbell Standing Calf RaisePlay demonstration

    10. Dumbbell Standing Calf Raise

    88% match
    • Calves
    • Dumbbell
    • Beginner
    • Isolation
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand.
    2. Raise your heels off the ground as high as possible, using your calves.
    3. Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your heels back down to the starting position.
    4. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: calves, the same as the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
    • Equipment: free weights, not a machine
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
    • Balance: harder to stay steady on than the Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise

Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise FAQ

What muscles does Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise work?

The sled forward angled calf raise primarily targets the plantarflexors: the gastrocnemius and soleus. Its angled stance increases ankle dorsiflexion at the bottom, changing the stretch and load distribution across those muscles and the Achilles tendon.

What is the best bodyweight alternative to Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise?

A single-leg standing calf raise is the best bodyweight substitute because it increases load per limb and forces stability. Cue: rise onto the ball of your foot, pause and squeeze at the top, then lower slowly to maximize gastrocnemius activation and time under tension.

Can I build muscle without doing Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise?

Yes. You can build calf muscle with progressive overload using alternatives like weighted standing calf raises, seated raises for soleus focus, and single-leg variations for intensity. Emphasize full plantarflexion, controlled eccentrics, and gradual load increases to stimulate hypertrophy.

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