Where should the feet sit?

Keep enough forefoot on the platform to prevent slipping, following the machine design. Do not balance the load on the toes alone.

Should the knees bend?

Keep their angle nearly constant without forceful locking. Bending and extending them turns part of the movement into a leg press.

Can you use any leg press?

Not necessarily. Check that the manufacturer permits the variation and safeties can stop the platform if your footing slips.

Seated Leg Press Calf Raise

Leg press calf raises train ankle plantar flexion by pushing the platform with the forefoot while keeping the knees stable.

CALVES · LOWER BODY

Seated Leg Press Calf Raise: how the movement is executed

How it is executed

Sit in the seated or horizontal leg press machine with your back and hips fully supported.
Place the balls of your feet on the lower edge of the platform with heels hanging off.
Keep your knees slightly bent and unrack the weight.
Lower your heels under control to feel a stretch in the calves, then press through the balls of your feet to raise your heels as high as possible.
Pause briefly at the top, then lower slowly and repeat without resting the weight.

Muscles worked: Calves
Primary muscle: Calves
Equipment: Machine
Movement pattern: Lower body
Difficulty: Intermediate
What it is for: Hypertrophy

Watch the full tutorial

Common mistakes

Balancing on toe tips: secure the whole forefoot.
Bouncing the load: control heel lowering.
Moving the knees: keep their angle steady.

Frequently asked questions

Where should the feet sit?: Keep enough forefoot on the platform to prevent slipping, following the machine design. Do not balance the load on the toes alone.
Should the knees bend?: Keep their angle nearly constant without forceful locking. Bending and extending them turns part of the movement into a leg press.
Can you use any leg press?: Not necessarily. Check that the manufacturer permits the variation and safeties can stop the platform if your footing slips.

Sources and editorial approach

The explanation, variations and FAQs are Kaizer’s editorial synthesis. ACSM’s 2026 guidance provides general context on progression and resistance training in healthy adults; it does not independently validate the technique of each variation.

No individual professional review is recorded for this page.

Variations and substitutions

Single-Leg Calf RaiseBodyweight · Step Donkey Calf RaiseDonkey calf raise machine Standing Dumbbell Calf RaiseDumbbell Smith Machine Standing Calf RaiseSmith machine · Other Dumbbell Seated Calf RaisesDumbbell Standing Calf Raise MachineMachine

Calves exercises Machine exercises Estimated 1RM calculator Back to the library

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Seated Leg Press Calf Raise

Sources and editorial approach

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