seated calf raises

Muscle Groups

legs lower calves outer calves
Seated calf raises are an isolation exercise that primarily target the soleus muscle of the calf. To perform the exercise, sit on a calf raise machine with your feet on the platform and your knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Use your calf muscles to raise your heels as high as possible, pause at the top for a second, and then lower your heels back down. Repeat for the desired number of reps. This exercise can also be performed with dumbbells on your knees, or by using a step and a weight in one hand. Seated calf raises are a great exercise to specifically target the soleus muscle, which is often neglected in other calf exercises like standing calf raises. The soleus is a smaller, flatter muscle located underneath the larger, more visible gastrocnemius muscle. Strengthening the soleus can help improve ankle stability, balance, and overall athletic performance. Additionally, since the exercise is performed in a seated position, it can be a good option for those with back or balance issues who may have difficulty performing other calf exercises standing up.