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woman using a leg press machine woman using a leg press machine

Leg Press Calf Raise

Body Part: Calves

Equipment: Leg Press Machine

Difficulty: Beginner

Description

Step 1: Sit in the leg press machine with feet hip width apart and straight ahead on the leg press platform. Hang the heel of the foot off the edge so that only the ball of the foot and toes are in contact with the platform. Draw in and brace the abs. Lock the shoulder blades back and down and keep the knees straight but not locked.

Step 2: Lower the platform down toward the body ensuring the knees stay aligned with the middle toes and arch of the foot is maintained. Move through a maximum range without losing technique or bottoming out into a stretch.

Step 3: Return to the starting position.

Step 4: Reverse the pattern and press through the ball of the foot keeping the emphasis on the first three toes.

Step 5: Repeat. Maintain posture throughout. Avoid locking the knees, bouncing at the bottom of the movement to create momentum, rolling out over the small toe and locking the ankle to rest or collapsing the knees and arch of the foot in.