Standing Calf Raise Machine

CalvesStanding Calf Raise Machine

Standing machine calf raise to heavily load your calves. Delivers intense focus on the lower leg, but places axial load on your spine, so keep every rep controlled.

How to do it

1Place the balls of your feet on the platform edge with heels hanging off, and position your shoulders under the pads.

2Stand upright with soft knees—never lock them out completely.

3Exhale as you press high onto your toes, pausing for a split second at the peak.

4Inhale as you slowly lower your heels below the platform until you feel a full stretch in your calves.

5Repeat without using momentum or bouncing at the bottom.

Common mistakes

Bending your knees as you press up, shifting work to your quads instead of your calves.

Bouncing dynamically at the bottom, putting dangerous impact on your Achilles tendon.

Arching your lower back excessively, increasing spinal compression.

Breathing

Exhale as you rise up onto your toes, and inhale as you lower your heels back down.

Make it harder or easier

To make it easier, drop the weight on the stack.

To make it harder, add a two-second pause at peak contraction.

This is general guidance, not a medical opinion. Listen to your body: if it hurts, stop. If you have an injury or a chronic condition, talk to a doctor first.