The calf raise, also known as the standing calf raise, is a bodyweight exercise that targets the muscle groups in your lower legs. Perform calf raises by standing tall with your feet hip-width apart. Lift your body by pushing into the fronts of your feet, activating your calf muscles as you stand on your tiptoes.Your calf muscle is in the back of your lower leg, behind your shin bone (tibia). It actually consists of three different muscles: your gastrocnemius, soleus and plantaris. Together, these lower leg muscles help you walk, run, jump, stand on your toes and flex your foot (push your toes down toward the ground).