Standing Calf Raise (Machine)
The Standing Calf Raise Machine is an isolation exercise that strengthens the lower leg muscles by pushing weight through the balls of the feet against resistance. It primarily targets the gastrocnemius muscle to build calf size, power, and ankle stability.
Calves are notoriously stubborn muscles that are often undertrained or trained with insufficient intensity. The AI helps overcome this by analyzing your RPE and performance data to ensure you are training close enough to failure to stimulate adaptation, rather than just 'feeling the burn.' Additionally, the app tracks your recovery metrics like HRV and sleep to determine if your lower legs—which take a beating from daily walking—are recovered enough for high-volume loading.
Form Cues
- Place the balls of your feet securely on the edge of the platform
- Keep your knees straight but unlocked (soft lockout) throughout the set
- Lower your heels slowly until you feel a deep stretch in the calves
- Drive up forcefully onto your big toes to peak contraction
- Pause for one second at the top of the movement
- Don't bounce the weight out of the bottom position
- Don't bend your knees significantly as you lift
- Don't roll your ankles outward toward your pinky toes
- Don't use momentum to jerk the weight upward
- Don't cut the range of motion short
Common Mistakes
- Bouncing at the bottom
- Using partial range of motion
- Bending knees excessively
- Rolling ankles outward
- Rushing the lowering phase
Muscles Worked
This exercise primarily targets the gastrocnemius, the large, diamond-shaped muscle on the back of the lower leg, which is most active when the knee is straight. It also engages the underlying soleus muscle and stabilizes the ankle joint, contributing to overall lower leg thickness and power.
Primary
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