classic calf builder on a dedicated machine, and the calf raise the others are
measured against
your knees stay straight, so the gastrocnemius is loaded alongside the soleus:
bend the knee and you lose it, which is what the seated version does on
purpose
the shoulder pads put the load through your spine, which is the one thing the
belt version fixes
Execution
Position yourself under the shoulder pads with the balls of your feet on the
edge of the platform and your heels hanging off.
lower your heels as far below the platform as they will go
pause briefly in the stretched position to maximize tension
drive through the balls of your feet to raise yourself as high as you can
control the descent back into the stretch
keep your legs straight throughout
Focus on the bottom stretch, which is where calves grow. When you cannot manage
another full rep, bend your knees to help the concentric, extend at the top,
then lower with straight legs for a few more.
Purpose
classic calf builder on a dedicated machine, and the calf raise the others are
measured against
your knees stay straight, so the gastrocnemius is loaded alongside the soleus:
bend the knee and you lose it, which is what the seated version does on
purpose
the shoulder pads put the load through your spine, which is the one thing the
belt version fixes
Execution
Position yourself under the shoulder pads with the balls of your feet on the
edge of the platform and your heels hanging off.
lower your heels as far below the platform as they will go
pause briefly in the stretched position to maximize tension
drive through the balls of your feet to raise yourself as high as you can
control the descent back into the stretch
keep your legs straight throughout
Focus on the bottom stretch, which is where calves grow. When you cannot manage
another full rep, bend your knees to help the concentric, extend at the top,
then lower with straight legs for a few more.