Standing Calf Raise Machine
Learn how to perform Standing Calf Raise Machine, a Legs exercise, with setup, breathing and common mistakes.
Standing Calf Raise Machine · Preview
Setup
Step under the shoulder pads and place the balls of your feet at the edge of the platform. Keep your knees slightly extended, stand tall, and lower your heels to stretch your calves.
Start phase
Push through the balls of your feet to raise your heels as high as possible. Lift all the way until you feel your calves fully contract at the top.
End phase
Pause briefly at the highest point, then lower your heels slowly. Lower far enough to stretch your calves, but control the range so you don't strain your Achilles tendon.
Target muscles
Because you're standing with your knees extended, this is great for training the full gastrocnemius. If you don't feel your calves working, slow down the lift.
Common mistakes
Bending your knees or bouncing up with momentum greatly reduces the calf tension. Even if you shorten the range, a slow lift and pause at the top will be much more effective.
Breathing
Exhale as you raise your heels and inhale as you lower them. Exhaling as you lift can help you drive more force through your calves.
Coach tip
Holding for about 2 seconds at the top makes the calf tension much stronger. Don't force the pause with an excessively heavy weight, though, or you may overload your Achilles tendon.
