Exercise Comparison
Balance Board vs Seated Calf Raise
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.
Seated Calf Raise
Sit on the machine and place your toes on the lower portion of the platform provided with the heels extending off. Choose the toe positioning of your choice (forward, in, or out) as per the beginning of this chapter.
Place your lower thighs under the lever pad, which will need to be adjusted according to the height of your thighs. Now place your hands on top of the lever pad in order to prevent it from slipping forward.
Lift the lever slightly by pushing your heels up and release the safety bar. This will be your starting position.
Slowly lower your heels by bending at the ankles until the calves are fully stretched. Inhale as you perform this movement.
Raise the heels by extending the ankles as high as possible as you contract the calves and breathe out. Hold the top contraction for a second.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Verdict
Both exercises target the calves. Balance Board is a beginner exercise using other, while Seated Calf Raise is beginner and uses machine. Choose Balance Board if you have access to other, or Seated Calf Raise if you prefer machine. Balance Board is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Seated Calf Raise isolates the target muscle for focused development.