Exercise guide · Legs & Glutes

Leg Press Calf Raise

Calf press on a leg press machine lets you load calves heavily while seated or lying on the leg press. Only the balls of your feet contact the sled platform; you push through your toes to extend ankles.

Targets: Calves
Equipment: Machine
Type: Isolation

Step by step

How to do the Leg Press Calf Raise

Sit or lie on the leg press with back and head against the pad as for a normal leg press setup.
Position only the balls of your feet on the bottom edge of the platform, feet hip-width apart, heels free in the air.
Unlock the sled with legs extended and toes pointed forward; keep a slight bend in your knees if needed for comfort.
Push through the balls of your feet to extend ankles and lift heels as far as possible toward the ceiling.
Lower heels back under control until you feel a calf stretch, without letting the sled slam.
Finish your reps, extend legs, and re-engage the safety handles.

Form cues

Heels travel as far down and up as your range allows
Knees stay softly bent and stable—not locked hard
Push through toes, not by rolling the sled with hips
Smooth, controlled press—no bouncing

Common mistakes

Placing the whole foot flat on the sled, turning it into a partial leg press
Locking knees aggressively on every rep
Using weight so heavy that heels barely move
Lower back lifting off the pad when chasing depth

Muscles worked

Primary

Calves

Secondary

None significant

Safety: Use a lighter load than your leg press max and prioritize ankle range. Never unlock safety with a loaded sled on fully extended legs without control.

Alternatives

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