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How To: Leg Press Calf Raise

Leg Press Calf Raise
Calfs, the most neglected muscle group of all!
The leg press calf raise is in my eyes the most effective isolation exercises for the calfs - why? Because we're able to overload the calfs with more weight and apply a higher level of progressive overload when seated on the leg press machine than any other calf raise variation (e.g. the standing smith machine calfd raise).

I recommend including the leg press calf raise towards the end of your leg workout.

Movement: Isolation

Targets: Calfs

Required: Leg Press Machine

Optional: N/A

Leg Press Calf Raise Form:

Sit down on your leg press machine with legs fully extended touching the sled.

Press on the platform by pushing through the balls of your feet as your heels are raised off of the sled, your positioning should be at the very top of the leg press sled.

As you reach full extension flex your calfs for 1 second.

Lower your heels back down to return to the starting position to complete the repetition.

Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Leg Press Calf Raise Variations

Alternating Foot Placement

Pointing your toes either inward or upward during calf raises will alter the specific area of the calf you're focusing on. For this reason I recommend performing not only regular straight forward calf raises, but also a set or two with both toes pointing inwards followed by outwards.

See also
How To: Barbell Overhead Triceps Extension

Common Leg Press Calf Raise Mistakes

Not Contracting At The Top Of The Movement

In order to attain full benefit of the leg press calf raise you MUST pause for a second at the top of the movement and flex the calfs, do not opt to simply bounce the weight up and down without focusing on the time and quality of tension on the muscle.

Contracting at the top of the movement will not only increase activation, but you'll ensure you're not utilizing momentum for your repetitions.

Similar & Substitute Exercises 

  • Smith Machine Calf Raise

Any Questions Regarding The Leg Press Calf Raise? Ask Below!

Scott J.
Scott J.https://ignorelimits.com
I’m SJ. I’m a fitness enthusiast and published author. I transformed my body from a skinny fat 135lbs with 18% body fat to a solid 192lbs at 8% body fat. I became qualified in a field I was passionate about. I founded several online businesses that allow me to pursue ideas and projects in my life that I am passionate about without having to constantly worry about money. I published several eBooks explaining the training and dieting techniques I used to achieve the body I have today. I learnt a plethora of new information on dieting and fitness by reading and applying what I read, to find out what does work and what doesn’t work, because as I’m sure you’ve noticed the health and fitness industry is full of non-sense claims and BS. I found out what was true and what worked for me and applied that knowledge. And you bet I had fun during the whole process.

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