Standing Dumbbell Calf Raise
Dumbbell calf raise is an alternative to standing barbell calf raise. They cause less pressure on upper back but they have several disadvantages: you can only use dumbbells you are able to hold which is usually not enough for a good calf workout; you put a very significant stress on your shoulder joints and finally you exhaust your forearms.
Calf raises are more effective using a platform so that the wheels will have to pass longer trajectory. Calf raises using one leg only make the exercise twice as hard.