Seated Calf Press Machine

Execution

1. Straighten the legs to lift the platform off the safety catch, then release the catch.
2. Inhale and lower the heels slowly until you feel a stretch in the calves.
3. Exhale and press through the balls of the feet as high as you can, driving through the big toe.
4. Hold for one beat at the top, squeezing the calves hard.
5. Lower under control over about 2-3 seconds, without letting the platform drop freely.
6. At the end of the set, re-engage the safety catch before taking your feet off the platform.

Quick cues

• Press through the big toe, no rolling out.
• Lower deep enough to feel the stretch.
• Knees stay slightly soft throughout.
• Lock the safety catch before you exit.

Common faults

• Fault: Letting the platform free-fall on the way down

  Fix: Lower the load and count two seconds aloud on the way down.

• Fault: Only rising halfway, the heels never reaching full height

  Fix: Drop one plate and pause for one beat at the very top each rep.

• Fault: Bending the knees deeper to help push a heavier load

  Fix: Lock the leg length so the knees stay only slightly bent, and lower the load to a weight that holds that position.

• Fault: Forgetting to re-engage the safety catch before taking the feet off

  Fix: Make a habit of pressing the platform up and locking the catch before doing anything else.