Calf Press on Leg Press
A calf raise done on the leg press machine: only the balls of the feet on the bottom edge of the platform, pressing the sled with the ankles while the knees stay straight. Choose it for heavy calf work without loading the spine when there is no standing calf machine.
Updated
Primary muscles: Calves. Equipment: Leg press machine.
Muscles worked
Primary
Equipment
How to do it
- Sit in the leg press with your back against the pad and the balls of both feet on the bottom edge of the platform.
- Press the platform up, release the safety handles and keep the knees straight but not hard-locked.
- Lower the heels below the platform edge into a full calf stretch.
- Press through the balls of the feet to point the ankles as far as possible.
- Pause at the top, then lower under control back into the stretch.
- Relock the safety handles before you move your feet off the platform.
Watch for
- Bending the knees to help push the sled.
- Feet slipping off the edge of the platform.
- Bouncing out of the bottom stretch.
Breathing
Exhale as you press, inhale as you lower.
Tip
Set the adjustable bottom stops just below your range if the machine has them, and start lighter than you think: if a foot slips, the sled comes toward you.
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