Exercise description of the leg press calf raise.  Learn about the leg press calf raise with videos, pictures, and other sports information.  Also learn how the leg press calf raise can improve your sports performance.

Primary muscles worked:  Gastroc

Synergist Muscles:  Soleus

Mechanics:  Isolation

Equipment:  Leg Press Machine

How to perform the exercise:  This exercise requires a leg press machine. The athlete will assume a correct position in the leg press machine and push to the top position of a traditional leg press. From this position, the athlete will then move their feet to the edge of the leg press platform allowing their heels to be off of the edge. The athlete will then plantar flex the feet, pushing the weight away from the body. This motion will cause the muscles in the calves to contract. When the desired number of repetitions are completed, the athlete returns their feet to a standard leg press position, and presses the weight to the top position, and places the safety pins in correct position.

Spotting the exercise:  This exercise is properly spotted by having the instructor/coach position the athlete in correct position, and by making sure that the safety pins are in correct position.

Sport specific application:  This leg press calf raises really allows for a very focused training of the calf muscles. This exercise is great for strength and power gains in the calf muscles. This strength is very important for improvements in speed and jump height, which are critical athletic components in many sports.