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Sled One Leg Calf Press on Leg Press

A single-leg calf press on the leg press sled that isolates each calf, exposing and correcting left-right strength differences.

LegsMachineAnkle plantar flexion
GoLightWeight mediasled-one-leg-calf-press-on-leg-press

Demonstration coming soon

Primary

Gastrocnemius

Secondary

SoleusTibialis posterior

Equipment

Machine

Pattern

Ankle plantar flexion

Setup

  1. 01Sit in the leg press with your back settled against the pad.
  2. 02Press the sled out with both legs and keep the safeties within reach.
  3. 03Place the ball of one foot on the lower edge of the platform, heel hanging off.
  4. 04Rest the free foot safely off the platform to the side.

Execution

  1. 01Keep the working knee straight but not locked.
  2. 02Lower the heel toward you for a full stretch.
  3. 03Press through the ball of the foot to full plantar flexion.
  4. 04Complete all reps, then switch legs without racking if safe.

Checkpoints

  • -Sled load stays fully controlled by one leg at all times.
  • -Working knee stays straight so the calf does the work.
  • -Heel travels through a full stretch and full contraction.
  • -Hips stay square against the seat pad.

Common mistakes

  • -Loading the same weight used for two-leg pressing.
  • -Bending the knee to cheat the sled up.
  • -Shortening the range as the calf fatigues.
  • -Twisting the hips to recruit the other side.

Programming notes

  • -Use 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps per leg, starting with the weaker side.
  • -Match reps on the stronger side to the weaker side to close the gap.
  • -Roughly half your two-leg calf press load is a sensible starting point.

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