Should I buy a seated calf machine?

[ezra76]

I found a used gym equipment place on ******** that has a cybex seated calf machine for $300 an hour away from me.

Calves are by far my weak point and I've been hitting them every way possible. I am a home gym'er and will not be joining a gym.

Do you think it's a good investment? Talk me in or out of it.

[thedickus]

If space and the money isn't an issue then I'd say yes. Seated calf raises aren't something easily and comfortably improvised with other equipment. Cybex is a great brand. I had a cheap seated calf with foam rollers, was very uncomfortable on my thighs with any weight on it. The higher end machines with the flat pads are definitely the way to go.

[ezra76]

Thanks. I have the space in my basement gym if I shift things around a bit. It's not going to break the bank but will be my most expensive equipment purchase so far. They are hard to replicate. I've been using plates plus 60lb. dumbell but getting to the point I can do like 50 plus reps. It's awkward as heck to boot. I tried rigging up something with a barbell but need like 200+ lbs. and by that time it hurts top of legs too much before calves get worked.

[grumpytude]

If you have the space go for it. Even a cheap seated unit is easier than the method you described.
I've always had a seated ( and standing) calf machine and use them all the time.
A very neglected muscle for most. Some people are gifted naturally with big claves, but I'd say most people need to work them for development.

I think my next purchase with be some sort of Tibia device. I've been trying to perform the exercise with an iron master dumbell, but its becoming awkward when adding on the weight.

[401Delta]

A seated calf machine is going to stress the soleus as much or more than the gastroc.

I would try and find a standing, donkey or seated 45 degree calf machine first.

[Duplicitous]

As above, if you have the space/money then go for it. It's certainly not an essential item for a home gym, but it's nice to have.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

I agree with the above posts, if your training is geared towards hitting them as well and since you got the space and funds for one, go for it. Aside from certain low intensity walking resistance, the calves are sometimes kinda difficult to compromise with a lot of indirect pieces of equipment which can encourage procrastination and neglecting them (as funny as that sounds), so a machine directed specifically towards working them despite it being a one movement piece sounds like a good addition.

I classify it in the same category as a 45 degree hyperextension, it does mainly one movement...but it does it so well that it's hard to replicate conveniently.

[Asjogren]

I just sold my Matrix seated calf. I really liked it but when I needed room for a Rogue belt squat,the seated calf was sacrificed. Took up a lot of room and a one trick pony was my reasoning . I do miss having it but space restrictions are always an issue when you have a basement gym.

[Icarian5150]

I picked up an Icarian seated calf few months ago for about the same price. Seated calf machines usually don’t take up to much space and the one I have fits perfectly between my lat pull down and functional trainer. Like others said, have the money and space, why not.

[WWE-TicK]

I have one of those cheap ones from Titan Fitness. Having an actual seated calf machine beats the hell out of trying to place a loaded barbell across your thighs to do seated calf raises, even with the POS machine I have.

So if you have the space and money for one, I say get it for sure. Especially for a higher end brand like Cybex.

[ezra76]

Thanks for the input. I ended up driving up and getting it. They also had some dumbbells. I bought 60's a while back and they are my heaviest but already into the 12-15rep range on incline. The 75's will take a little to work into.

Love the machine. It was a pain to get into my basement but got it in there. Fits no problem and will even better once I move all that old golf crap.

I did my standing calf raises outside yesterday with a 60lb. sandbag on my shoulders. Did 3 sets on this before my deadlifts and my foot arch was charlie horsing bigtime at the end.

I had some veins starting to come out but after the 3 sets they were really coming out a lot. Pretty cool.

[Skidmarx]

I picked up an Icarian seated calf few months ago for about the same price. Seated calf machines usually don’t take up to much space and the one I have fits perfectly between my lat pull down and functional trainer. Like others said, have the money and space, why not.

The Icarian seated calf machines are awesome and really well built

[Einhander12]

That's good that you have the space. I have maxed out the space in my workout room so wouldn't have room for one. I did however order a Sky-King Calf Isolator. It's a device used for jumping higher in basketball, but I'm gonna use it to get some extra work in on my calves and test it out.

[Duplicitous]

I did however order a Sky-King Calf Isolator

You would.