Seated Calf Raise: how to do it and muscles worked
The seated calf raise mainly works your calves. You need a gym machine.
Muscles worked
Main
How to do the seated calf raise
- 1
Sit on the machine with the pads on your lower thighs just above your knees, the balls of your feet on the platform and heels hanging off.
- 2
Release the safety and rise as high as you can onto your toes, squeezing your calves hard.
- 3
Pause for a second, then lower slowly until you feel a deep stretch in your calves. Breathe out as you rise and in as you lower.
Form tip: Go slowly and avoid bouncing; seated work with bent knees targets the lower calf muscle, so use a full stretch.
Common questions
- Which muscles does the seated calf raise work?
- The seated calf raise mainly works your calves.
- What equipment do I need for the seated calf raise?
- You need a gym machine.
- How many sets and reps should I do?
- A common starting point is 2 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 controlled reps, with a weight that leaves a couple of reps in reserve. Adjust it to your goal and experience, and stop if something hurts.
- How do I track the seated calf raise in SweatByte?
- Add it to a routine or a workout. Log the weight and reps for each set. SweatByte shows your last session's numbers on every set, so you know what to beat.
More calves exercises
General information, not medical advice. Learn the movement with light weight first, and see a doctor or physiotherapist if you have an injury or pain. More guides in Learn.