Machine exercise

Leg Press Calf Raise (Machine) form, muscles worked, and workout tracking

The leg press calf raise uses the sled of a leg press machine to load plantar flexion, with the balls of the feet on the bottom edge of the platform and the knees held straight to target the gastrocnemius along with the soleus. Lifters use it to overload the calves with heavy weight through a full stretch and contraction, without balancing a load on the shoulders or spine.

Leg Press Calf Raise (Machine) illustration

How to do Leg Press Calf Raise (Machine)

  1. 1Sit in the leg press with your back flat against the pad and place the balls of your feet on the lower edge of the platform, heels hanging off.
  2. 2Press the sled to a straight-but-not-locked knee position and keep your knees still throughout the set.
  3. 3Inhale as you let the platform push your toes toward you until you feel a deep stretch in your calves.
  4. 4Exhale and press through the balls of your feet, pointing your toes to push the sled away and squeezing your calves at the top.
  5. 5Avoid bouncing out of the stretch; lower under control on every rep and keep your hands near the safety handles.

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Track Leg Press Calf Raise (Machine) in Plates

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