Form cues
- Drive through big toe
- Lift heels straight up
- Use full ankle range
- Control the lowering
Exercise
Lever Standing Calf Raise
Lower legs, leverage machine
A machine calf exercise where you raise and lower your heels under shoulder pads to train the calves through ankle movement.
Target: calves. Also works: soleus, ankle stabilizers.
Steps
- Adjust the shoulder pads so they rest comfortably on your shoulders when you stand on the platform.
- Place the balls of your feet on the edge of the platform with your heels hanging off and grip the handles.
- Straighten your legs, brace your torso, and let your heels lower until you feel a stretch in your calves.
- Press through the balls of your feet to raise your heels as high as you can.
- Pause briefly at the top while staying balanced under the pads.
- Lower your heels under control back to the stretched start position.
Common mistakes
- Bouncing out of the bottom instead of lowering under control.
- Bending the knees noticeably during the raise.
- Rolling the ankles inward or outward as the heels lift.
- Using a short range and stopping before the heels fully lower.
Breathing
Inhale as you lower your heels, and exhale as you press up onto the balls of your feet.
In the app, search for Lever Standing Calf Raise and add it to a workout.