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Last updated February 2, 2026
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adductorscalveshamstringsquadriceps
Calf Press - Sled (Leg Press Machine)
Place toes on the bottom edge of the sled. Push firmly with your toes, then lower your heels as far as possible to get a full stretch.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Mechanic
- Isolation
- Force
- Push
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Low
- Hypertrophy
- Very High
- Calorie Burn
- Low-Medium
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
calves
Secondary
lower calves
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
sled machine
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Seated
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Sit on the leg press machine with your back against the pad and your feet placed shoulder-width apart on the platform.
- Adjust the seat if necessary so that your knees are bent at about a 90-degree angle when your feet are on the platform.
- Step 2Position Your Feet
- Place the balls of your feet on the platform, with your heels hanging off the edge.
- Ensure that your toes are pointed slightly outward for better alignment.
- Step 3Engage Your Core
- Before you begin, engage your core muscles to stabilize your body.
- Keep your back pressed against the pad and your shoulders relaxed.
- Step 4Release the Safety
- If your machine has a safety mechanism, release it to allow the sled to move freely.
- Ensure that you are in a stable position before proceeding.
- Step 5Press the Platform
- Push through the balls of your feet to extend your legs and press the platform away from you.
- Keep your knees in line with your toes and avoid locking your knees at the top of the movement.
- Step 6Lower the Platform
- Slowly bend your knees to lower the platform back towards your body.
- Control the movement and stop when your knees are at about a 90-degree angle.
- Step 7Repeat
- Repeat the pressing and lowering motion for the desired number of repetitions.
- Focus on maintaining proper form throughout each rep.
- Step 8Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully return the sled to the starting position.
- Engage the safety mechanism if applicable, and then safely exit the machine.