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You are here: Home / Weight Training Exercises Database / Seated Calf Raises

Seated Calf Raises

by JP – Updated: 09/24/2016

Muscles Used    •    Exercise Type    •    Form Instruction    •    Tips and Techniques    •    Recommended Reps    •    Common Variations    •    Substitutions    •    Equipment Needed

Seated Calf Raises - Bottom of ExerciseSeated Calf Raises - Top of Exercise
BottomTop
Primary
Mover(s)
Muscles Used:Secondary
Mover(s)
Calves
(Soleus emphasized)
Muscles Used in Seated Calf RaisesNone
Other
Mover(s)
None

See all the exercises at the:
Weight Training Exercises Database

 

– Seated Calf Raises –

Exercise Type:

Isolated Exercise, Push Movement

Form Instruction:

Seated, pads positioned just past the knees, feet on calf block with heel and arch extending off, raise heel by extending ankle as high as possible and then lower back down.

Tips and Techniques:

Adjust the knee pad so that your legs fit just barely underneath. Legs should be about shoulder-width apart or slightly narrower. Stretch as far up on your toes as possible on the top and take the heel down to a comfortable level on the bottom.

Trainer Demonstrating Seated Calf Raises

Use a smooth, controlled motion. In addition to being less effective, going fast and using momentum on this exercise makes you look really goofy. Go slow, focusing on getting a good stretch at both the top and bottom.

Pointing the toes slightly inward can place more emphasis on the outer calves while the inner calves can be better targeted by pointing the toes slightly outward.

A lot of bodybuilders skip this exercise simply because it emphasizes the soleus muscle in the calf. The soleus muscle is primarily underneath the gastrocnemius muscle which is the visible muscle of the calves. Keep in mind though, increasing the size of the soleus can push the gastrocnemius muscle out making for bigger calves.

Recommended Reps For Muscle Building:

6-12 the majority of the time, trying higher or lower reps on occasion.

Common Variations:

  • Barbell Seated Calf Raise – With a barbell positioned above the knees for resistance.
  • Standing Calf Raises
  • Donkey Calf Raises
  • Leg-Press Calf Presses
  • Other Machine-Based Seated Calf Raises – Smith machines can allow you to do a version of Seated Calf Raises.

Substitutions:

In general, the calves are a tough muscle to target (in terms of a variety of effective exercises). This is even more true of the soleus muscles that Seated Calf Raises target. The key to targeting the soleus is to do the raise with the knees bent. A Bent-Knee Calf Extension (on a lever machine, you push down on “pedals”) is a good alternative if you can find it. Keep in mind though, all calf raises will work and will develop the soleus along with the entire calves, they just won’t emphasize the soleus muscles quite as much as when you are doing a bent-knee exercise.

Bodybuilding Equipment:

Seated Calf Raise Machine, Weights

See all the exercises at the:
Weight Training Exercise Database

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