Exercise guide
Lever Seated Squat Calf Raise On Leg Press Machine
- Beginner
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Lower legs
- Upper legs
This compound exercise combines a seated leg press with a calf extension, effectively targeting the quadriceps and glutes while finishing with a peak contraction for the calves. It is highly efficient for building lower body power and ankle stability in a single movement.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Sit in the machine with your back and head firmly against the pads and feet hip-width apart on the platform.
- Position the balls of your feet on the bottom edge of the footplate so your heels are free to move.
- Grasp the side handles and disengage the safety locks to take the weight.
How to do it
- Inhale and lower the platform by bending your knees until they reach a 90-degree angle, allowing your heels to dip slightly below the plate.
- Exhale and drive through the balls of your feet to extend your legs, stopping just short of locking your knees.
- Once legs are extended, push through your toes to perform a calf raise, lifting your heels as high as possible.
- Lower your heels back to the neutral position with control before starting the next rep.
Form checklist
- Keep your lower back glued to the seat to protect your spine.
- Ensure your knees stay aligned with your second toes throughout the press.
- Avoid bouncing at the bottom of the calf stretch.
- Maintain a slow, controlled tempo without locking your knees at the top.
Pro tips
- Visualize pushing the platform away using your mid-foot during the squat phase, then transitioning the force to your big toe for the calf raise.
- Keep a micro-bend in the knees during the calf raise portion to keep the tension on the muscles rather than the joint.
Make it harder
- Add a 3-second pause at the bottom of the squat to eliminate momentum and increase time under tension.
- Perform the calf raise portion twice for every one squat repetition to prioritize calf hypertrophy.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the lever seated squat calf raise on leg press machine work?
- The lever seated squat calf raise on leg press machine primarily targets the calves, glutes, and quadriceps, and also works the abs and obliques as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the lever seated squat calf raise on leg press machine?
- The lever seated squat calf raise on leg press machine uses leverage machine.
- Is the lever seated squat calf raise on leg press machine good for beginners?
- Yes. The lever seated squat calf raise on leg press machine is a beginner-friendly movement and a strong foundation to build on.
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