Seated Machine Calf Raises

Technique

Setup

Sit on the machine with the balls of your feet on the edge of the platform and the pad snug across your lower thighs, just above your knees. Lift the weight slightly and release the safety lever.

Movement

Lower your heels slowly until you feel a deep stretch in your calves. Press up onto your toes as high as you can, squeeze, and repeat.

Form Tip

Keep the movement slow and the range full. Bent knees shift the work to the soleus, which responds best to steady, controlled reps without bouncing.

Increase Difficulty

Pause for 2 seconds in the stretch, or slow the lowering phase to 3 seconds.

Decrease Difficulty

Use a lighter load and a shorter range at the bottom.