Calf Press
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the calves, using a machine.
Starting position
End position
How to Do Calf Press
- Adjust the seat so that your legs are only slightly bent in the start position. The balls of your feet should be firmly on the platform.
- Select an appropriate weight, and grasp the handles. This will be your starting position.
- Straighten the legs by extending the knees, just barely lifting the weight from the stack. Your ankle should be fully flexed, toes pointing up. Execute the movement by pressing downward through the balls of your feet as far as possible.
- After a brief pause, reverse the motion and repeat.
Muscles Worked
Alternatives to Calf Press
10 movements that train the same primary muscle, closest substitutes first — same kind of training, then variations of the movement itself, then a similar difficulty.
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1
Calf Press On The Leg Press Machine
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the calves, using a machine.
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2
Barbell Seated Calf Raise
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the calves, using a barbell.
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3
Calf Raises - With Bands
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the calves, using a resistance band.
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4
Dumbbell Seated One-Leg Calf Raise
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the calves, using dumbbells.
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5
Rocking Standing Calf Raise
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the calves, using a barbell.
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6
Standing Barbell Calf Raise
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the calves, using a barbell.
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7
Seated Calf Raise
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the calves, using a machine.
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8
Smith Machine Calf Raise
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the calves, using a machine.
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9
Smith Machine Reverse Calf Raises
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the calves, using a machine.
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10
Standing Calf Raises
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the calves, using a machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles do calf press work?
Calf Press primarily works the calves.
What equipment do I need for calf press?
Calf Press uses machines.
Calf Press: is it suitable for beginners?
Yes. Calf Press is rated beginner. Movements you can learn in a session, with a low skill floor and a forgiving failure mode.
What can I do instead of calf press?
Calf Press On The Leg Press Machine, Barbell Seated Calf Raise, Calf Raises - With Bands train the same primary muscles and are listed with 7 more alternatives above.
Can Fitnit count my calf press reps automatically?
Not automatically yet. Fitnit's AI rep counting covers push-ups, squats, dumbbell curls, crunches and pull-ups today; calf press can be logged manually in the app, and tracked movements are added over time.
Photographs and step-by-step instructions from free-exercise-db, a public-domain exercise dataset. Muscle mapping and alternatives by Fitnit.
Track Your Calf Press with AI
Fitnit automatically tracks push-ups, crunches, squats, pull-ups, and curls with advanced body tracking technology — and you can manually input any other workout too. Start free — Pro is $8.99/month.