Does doing partial reps at the top of calf raises after full reps prevent muscle growth?
What the Evidence Shows
What we've found so far suggests that doing partial reps at the top of calf raises after full reps may still support calf muscle growth. Our analysis of the available evidence shows no indication that this practice harms muscle development.
We reviewed one assertion from the research, and it supports the idea that continuing with extra partial reps at the top of the movement after regular sets can contribute to calf muscle growth over time . The evidence indicates this approach appears to be effective over a two-month period . There were no studies or assertions we found that contradict this finding. So far, all the analyzed evidence leans in the same direction — that these added top-half reps still help stimulate growth.
Still, we’re basing this on a very narrow set of data. Only one assertion was analyzed, even if it draws from a larger body of supporting studies (51.0 cited as support, 0 refuting) . We don’t yet know how strong this effect is compared to other training methods, or whether it works the same for everyone. Our current analysis doesn’t explain why it works or if there are limits to how much benefit it provides.
We also can’t say whether this strategy works for other muscles the same way it might for calves. What we do see is that, for calf training, finishing a set with extra top-range reps doesn’t seem to interfere with growth — and may actually add to it, based on what we've reviewed so far.
Practical takeaway: If you like doing extra reps at the top of your calf raises after your main sets, the evidence we’ve seen so far suggests it’s not hurting your progress — and it might even be helping.