Exercise library
Leg Press Calf Raise
The leg press calf raise loads the calves heavily and safely by pressing through the balls of your feet on the leg press platform.
MachineCalvesBeginner
- Equipment
- Machine
- Focus
- Calves
- Level
- Beginner
- Suggested sets
- 3–4 sets of 12–20 reps.
- Muscles worked
- Calves
How to do it
- 1Sit in the leg press and place the balls of your feet on the lower edge of the platform.
- 2Extend your legs nearly straight and release the safety handles.
- 3Let your toes come back toward you so your heels drop for a deep calf stretch.
- 4Press through the balls of your feet to push the platform away as far as possible.
- 5Squeeze the calves at the top, then lower under control and repeat.
Tips & tricks
- Keep your legs nearly straight but not locked while your ankles do the work.
- Use a slow tempo and pause at the stretch and the squeeze.
- Keep your feet stable so they do not slip off the platform.
Common mistakes
- Bending the knees to push instead of using the calves.
- Using a tiny range of motion.
- Letting the feet slide on the platform.
