Calf Raise vs Hip Extension
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Calf Raise more often — 1,215 sessions vs 531. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Calf Raise and Hip Extension and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Calf Raise vs Hip Extension: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Calf Raise more often — 1,215 sessions compared to 531 for Hip Extension.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Calf Raise and Hip Extension 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 Hip Extension Differ
| What differs | Calf Raise | Hip Extension |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | calves, hamstrings, and glutes | glutes and hamstrings |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,215 sessions | 531 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 Hip Extension
Hip Extension Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Raise your leg with the sole facing the sky.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
- 3. Proceed one side at a time or alternately.
Coach's Tips
- Keep your chest up to avoid bending your waist and engage your core.
For a full Hip Extension guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Hip Extension exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Calf Raise or Hip Extension?
Planfit users log Calf Raise more often — 1,215 sessions against 531 for Hip Extension. Both train Leg, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Calf Raise and Hip Extension work the same muscles?
Not quite. Calf Raise loads calves, hamstrings, and glutes, and Hip Extension loads glutes and hamstrings.
What equipment do Calf Raise and Hip Extension need?
Calf Raise needs bodyweight only, and Hip Extension needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Hip Extension is the easier place to start. Move to Calf Raise once your form holds up.
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