Seated Calf Raise
The seated calf raise is a simple exercise to add both size and strength to the often neglected calf muscles.
Movement: Isolation
Targets: Calfs
Required: Calf Raise Machine
Optional: N/A
1Seated Calf Raise Form:
Once seated on your calf raise machine with the pads adjusted correctly over your thighs begin to lift your heels up as high as you can by driving through the balls of your feet.
Pause for 1 second and flex your calf muscles at the top of the repetition.
Begin to lower your heels to return to the start of the repetition.
Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Seated 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.
Common Seated 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
- Leg Press Calf Raise