Back to library
Exercise Library
Sled Forward Angled Calf Raise
A standing calf raise on a forward-leaning angled sled machine, loading the gastrocnemius through a long range while the pads take the weight off the spine's balance demands.
LegsMachineAnkle plantar flexion
GoLightWeight mediasled-forward-angled-calf-raise
Demonstration coming soon
Primary
Gastrocnemius
Secondary
SoleusTibialis posterior
Equipment
Machine
Pattern
Ankle plantar flexion
Setup
- 01Step onto the angled sled with shoulders under the pads and body leaning into the machine.
- 02Place the balls of the feet on the platform edge, heels hanging free.
- 03Set the feet hip width apart with toes pointing forward.
- 04Stand tall with knees straight but not locked back hard.
Execution
- 01Lower the heels below the platform edge into a full stretch.
- 02Pause briefly at the bottom without relaxing.
- 03Press through the balls of the feet to rise as high as possible.
- 04Squeeze the calves at the top, then lower with control.
Checkpoints
- -Knees stay extended the entire set.
- -Heels travel through the fullest range the machine allows.
- -The body stays pressed into the angled pad, not pushing away from it.
- -Each rep gets a distinct pause at stretch and peak.
Common mistakes
- -Bouncing reps off the stretch reflex.
- -Bending the knees and turning it into a leg-drive press.
- -Stopping the heels level with the platform instead of below it.
- -Loading too heavy for a full top squeeze.
Programming notes
- -Use 3 to 4 sets of 10 to 20 reps with a 2 second pause in the stretch.
- -Straight-knee work biases the gastrocnemius; pair with seated raises for soleus.
- -Progress by range and pause length before adding plates.
Related exercises
Almost there
Coming soon to iOS & Android
GoLightWeight is in the final stretch. Free to download, no account required to start.
Coming soonApp Store
Coming soonGoogle Play