Exercise Comparison
Balance Board vs Calf Press On The Leg Press Machine
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Balance Board
Instructions
Balance Board
Place a balance board in front of you.
Stand up on it and try to balance yourself.
Hold the balance for as long as desired.
Calf Press On The Leg Press Machine
Using a leg press machine, sit down on the machine and place your legs on the platform directly in front of you at a medium (shoulder width) foot stance.
Lower the safety bars holding the weighted platform in place and press the platform all the way up until your legs are fully extended in front of you without locking your knees. (Note: In some leg press units you can leave the safety bars on for increased safety. If your leg press unit allows for this, then this is the preferred method of performing the exercise.) Your torso and the legs should make perfect 90-degree angle. Now carefully place your toes and balls of your feet on the lower portion of the platform with the heels extending off. Toes should be facing forward, outwards or inwards as described at the beginning of the chapter. This will be your starting position.
Press on the platform by raising your heels as you breathe out by extending your ankles as high as possible and flexing your calf. Ensure that the knee is kept stationary at all times. There should be no bending at any time. Hold the contracted position by a second before you start to go back down.
Go back slowly to the starting position as you breathe in by lowering your heels as you bend the ankles until calves are stretched.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Verdict
Both exercises target the calves. Balance Board is a beginner exercise using other, while Calf Press On The Leg Press Machine is beginner and uses machine. Choose Balance Board if you have access to other, or Calf Press On The Leg Press Machine if you prefer machine. Balance Board is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Calf Press On The Leg Press Machine isolates the target muscle for focused development.