Gymrbita
ES
  1. Home
  2. Exercises
  3. Leg press calf raise
Calves

Leg press calf raise: how to do it right

On the leg press, with your legs almost straight, you push the platform with just the balls of your feet. It works your calves with heavy load and your back supported.

Main muscle
Calves
Also works
Soleus
Equipment
Leg press machine
Level
Beginner
Leg press calf raise: start position
Start position
Leg press calf raise: end position
End position

Step by step

  1. Sit in the leg press and place only the front of your feet on the lower edge of the platform.
  2. Almost fully straighten your legs, leaving the safeties on if the machine has them.
  3. Let your heels drop until you feel your calves stretch.
  4. Push with the balls of your feet as far as you can.

Tip: Make sure your feet don't slip off the platform.

Common mistakes

Bending your knees

Your knees stay almost straight and fixed.

Short range

Go all the way down and all the way up.

Bouncing

Pause at the bottom and at the top.

Sets and reps

Guide ranges. Start with a weight where the last rep is hard but your technique holds.

GoalSetsRepsRest
Strength3–53–62–3 min
Build muscle3–46–121.5–2 min
Health and fitness2–310–151 min

In GymOrbita you log every set and the app suggests the weight for your next session based on what you did last time.

Alternatives

If the machine is busy or you want a variation:

FAQ

How many reps?

Calves respond well to sets of 10 to 20 with pauses.

General technique information, not a substitute for professional advice. If you have an injury or pain, check with a doctor or physiotherapist first.

Add leg press calf raise to your routine

GymOrbita has this exercise with its animation: log the weight and reps of every set and track your progress. Free.

Sign up freeSee more exercises