A seated leverage-machine exercise that lifts the heels by ankle plantarflexion to strengthen the calf muscles.
How to do the Seated Calf Raise#
- Sit on the machine and place your feet on the platform so only your toes contact it and your heels hang off; select one- or two-leg mode.
- Extend your legs so they are straight but do not lock your knees.
- Drive through the balls of your feet to raise your heels as high as you can, contracting the calves at the top.
- Lower your heels slowly until you feel a full stretch in the calves.
- Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions.
Muscles worked#
- Primary: Calves
Common mistakes#
- Locking or bending the knees during the movement.
- Bouncing at the top instead of using controlled reps.
- Not lowering the heels fully and shortening the range of motion.
- Placing the entire foot on the platform so the heels can't hang off.
