Calf raise on hack squat machine

Category

Legs

Difficulty

Beginner

Equipment

Hack Squat Machine

Primary muscles

Gastrocnemius, Soleus

Secondary muscles

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus, Quadriceps Femoris

How to do it

1. Stand on the hack squat machine with your shoulders under the pads and your feet hips-width apart on the foot platform, with your toes pointing forward and your heels hanging off the edge.
2. Extend your legs to release the safety handles, keeping a slight bend in your knees.
3. Push through your forefeet to raise your heels as high as possible, squeezing your calf muscles at the top of the movement.
4. Slowly lower your heels back down to the starting position. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Form tips

• Keep your legs slightly bent throughout the exercise to avoid placing stress on your knees.
• Focus on a full range of motion, lowering your heels as much as possible for a deep muscle activation.
• Exhale as you raise your heels and inhale as you lower them back down.