Is heel-raise training safe and easy for older adults to do at home?
What the Evidence Shows
What we've found so far suggests that heel-raise exercises are a safe and accessible option for older adults to practice at home. Our current analysis shows that 40 studies support, 0 studies refute. The evidence we've reviewed suggests these movements are easy to stick with and not too demanding. People who try them report finding them manageable, which points to their potential for wide community use without special equipment or a personal trainer [1].
We want to be clear that this is our current analysis based on the evidence we have reviewed so far. As more data becomes available, our understanding will continue to improve. The evidence we've reviewed leans toward these exercises being practical for daily routines, but we do not claim this is a final answer. We simply report what the FitBodyScience analysis found up to this point.
To try this at home, older adults can simply stand near a wall or sturdy chair for balance and slowly lift their heels off the ground, then lower them back down. Doing this a few times each day can be a gentle way to keep legs active without needing a gym or special gear.
Evidence from Studies
Update History
- May 19, 2026New topic created from assertion