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Exercise Guide
How to do machine seated calf raise
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The machine seated calf raise is a targeted exercise for the soleus muscle, located beneath the larger gastrocnemius. Because the knees are bent, the gastrocnemius is less active, allowing the soleus to take on the majority of the load. This exercise is essential for building lower leg thickness and width, providing a complete look to the calves and improving ankle stability.
Stats
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Beginner
EQUIPMENT
Seated Calf Raise Machine
TARGET MUSCLES
Calves
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Position: Sit on the machine and place the balls of your feet on the platform, with your heels hanging off.
- Pad Placement: Adjust the knee pad so it sits snugly on top of your lower thighs.
- Release: Lift the weight slightly by pushing through the balls of your feet, and release the safety lever.
The Movement:
- Lower: Slowly lower your heels as far as you can to get a deep stretch in your calf muscles (soleus).
- Raise: Exhale and press through the balls of your feet to raise your heels as high as possible.
- Squeeze: Squeeze your calves at the top of the movement and hold for a second.
- Repeat: Slowly lower back down and repeat.
Tips:
- The seated calf raise primarily targets the soleus muscle, which is underneath the larger gastrocnemius.
- Pause at both the top and bottom of the movement to maximize muscle engagement.
- Avoid bouncing the weight.
Common mistakes: Bouncing the weight at the bottom, not reaching full extension, and using the hands to push the knees.
Alternatives
Barbell
barbell standing calf raise
Calves
None
calf raise
Calves
Bench
donkey calf raise
Calves
Bench
barbell seated calf raises
Calves
Seated Calf Raise Machine
machine seated calf raise
Calves
None
standing calf raise
Calves
Dumbbell
dumbbell standing calf raise
Calves
Dumbbell
dumbbell seated calf raise
Calves
Barbell
barbell standing calf raise on riser
Calves
None
one leg floor calf raise
Calves
Standing Calf Raise Machine
machine standing calf raise
Calves
Smith Machine
smith-machine reverse calf raise
Calves