Calf Raise vs Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat more often — 8,149 sessions vs 1,215. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Calf Raise and Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Calf Raise vs Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat more often — 8,149 sessions compared to 1,215 for Calf Raise.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Calf Raise and Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Calf Raise and Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat Differ
| What differs | Calf Raise | Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | calves, hamstrings, and glutes | quads, hamstrings, and glutes |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a dumbbell |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,215 sessions | 8,149 sessions |
How to Do Calf Raise
Calf Raise Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Please raise your heels as high as possible to contract your calf muscles.
- 2. Please hold while resisting the weight, making sure your heels do not touch the ground.
Coach's Tips
- 1. If it is difficult to maintain your balance, support yourself with your hand on a wall or object.
- 2. Since strain may be placed on your ankle or Achilles tendon (the tendon at the back of your calf and heel), do not lower yourself quickly, and if you feel pain, perform the exercise with just your body weight.
For a full Calf Raise guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Calf Raise exercise guide.
How to Do Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat
Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Tighten your abdomen and keep your waist straight, then bend at the hip to lower your buttocks down.
- 2. Allow your knees to bend naturally until your thighs are parallel to the ground.
- 3. Push strongly through the center of your feet to rise up.
- 4. As your buttocks rise, straighten your knees and hips in sequence, returning to the starting position.
- 5. After completing all repetitions, proceed with the same on the opposite side.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body too far forward.
- 2. Keep your chest up and engage your core to avoid bending your waist.
- 3. Don't excessively bend your waist while trying to keep it straight.
- 4. Please don't stick your hips too far back.
- 5. Make sure your feet do not come off the ground.
- 6. When standing up, please ensure your knees do not come together.
For a full Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Calf Raise or Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat more often — 8,149 sessions against 1,215 for Calf Raise. Both train Leg, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Calf Raise and Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat work the same muscles?
Not quite. Calf Raise loads calves, hamstrings, and glutes, and Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat loads quads, hamstrings, and glutes.
What equipment do Calf Raise and Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat need?
Calf Raise needs bodyweight only, and Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat is the easier place to start. Move to Calf Raise once your form holds up.
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