Exercise library · Calves

How to Do Calf Press

Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the calf press.

How to do it

1. Adjust the seat so that your legs are only slightly bent in the start position. The balls of your feet should be firmly on the platform.
2. Select an appropriate weight, and grasp the handles. This will be your starting position.
3. Straighten the legs by extending the knees, just barely lifting the weight from the stack. Your ankle should be fully flexed, toes pointing up. Execute the movement by pressing downward through the balls of your feet as far as possible.
4. After a brief pause, reverse the motion and repeat.

Form tips

• Start light and own the movement before adding weight.
• Control the lowering phase — don't drop into it.
• Keep breathing; exhale on the hardest part.
• Stop if you feel sharp pain (different from muscle burn).

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Gear for this exercise

Gym duffel bagShoe compartment and space for everything.See it on Amazon →Gym glovesBetter grip and fewer calluses.See it on Amazon →

Exercise photos and instructions: free-exercise-db (public domain). Animation made from the real start and end photos.