Leg Press Calf Raise

Using a leg press machine, sit down on the machine and place your legs on the platform directly in front of you at a medium (shoulder width) foot stance. Lower the safety bars holding the weighted platform in place and press the platform all the way up until your legs are fully extended in front of you without locking your knees. (Note: In some leg press units you can leave the safety bars on for increased safety. If your leg press unit allows for this, then this is the preferred method of performing the exercise.) Your torso and the legs should make perfect 90-degree angle. Now carefully place your toes and balls of your feet on the lower portion of the platform with the heels extending off. Toes should be facing forward, outwards or inwards as described at the beginning of the chapter. This will be your starting position. Press on the platform by raising your heels as you breathe out by extending your ankles as high as possible and flexing your calf. Ensure that the knee is kept stationary at all times. There should be no bending at any time. Hold the contracted position by a second before you start to go back down.

Leg Press Calf Raise primarily trains the calf muscles. The exact demand depends on your setup, range, and chosen load.

Use stable support so balance does not decide the set. Raise and lower through the same controlled ankle range. Avoid bouncing out of the bottom or shortening each rep as the load increases.

Related options include Calf Press, Seated Calf Raise, Smith Machine Calf Raise. These can have different equipment, range, and movement demands. Open the guides below to compare the setups before choosing a replacement.