Body Solid SCB26 Power Lift Squat and Calf Block Platform

This is such a great upgrade over the old calf block I had. The one I had was the more traditional squared off metal kind so that the only part of the foot that makes contact is the small area that hangs on the edge. This calf block has a nice curve to it and it keeps more of the foot in contact which just feels better on the foot. It also feels much more secure and you never feel like your foot might slip off the edge like I did with the old block I had. The calf area has a nice surface that your feet wont slip off of even when your deep into the bottom position of a calf raise. Something thats hard to tell from the pictures is the height of the curved calf area. I think the measurements say that its 6 1/2 inches tall which is great because it really allows for a good stretch at the bottom which is very important for calves!

Then theres also the squat platform part of it. I have to admit that I doubt I will ever use this feature for squatting. The only version of the squat Ive ever heard of that you really might want elevated heels is front squats so I guess if I ever get into those maybe I will try it. But for now its sort of worthless and I sort of thought about not bolting the whole thing together and just using the calf part on its own but I ended up putting it together more to make it more stable for calf exercises.

The assembly is no problem if you have some tools. There are some nice rubber pads on the bottom that make sure it wont move while your using it. This is a fairly substantial piece of equipment both in size and weight so if space is a concern keep that in mind.

Use next to a support bar for balance. Grab a single dumbell and do some one legged raises. Great for the full stretch and easy on the balls of the feet. Will show you the difference in each leg real quick and allow for you to adjust. Have not used the squat block for squating as I feel that it reduces the flexibility of the calf muscle.

Product was on backorder, but the seller contacted me immediately and told me when it would be delivered. It then came exactly when he said it would.

This thing is heavy-duty. The only assembly involved was attaching the squat platform to the calf block with 2 bolts. I have not used the squat platform much - I prefer the flat floor. But the rounded calf block hits those calves hard. The surface of the calf block prevents your shoes from slipping.

Finding a way to exercise calves at home is difficult. Professional gyms can give up the space and money to dedicated calf machines, but most homes have a limit on both. If you've already dedicated the space in your home gym to a squat rack (and that's significant space), then there's no point in not owning this. Of course, a squat rack is absolutely necessary for this device:

You'll have the weight bar up high against the back of the cage. I have the weight bar resting on the horizontal bars that go all the way across the cage (in case I ever fall forward it will catch the bar). I get up underneath the bar with bent legs, push up, then do the calf extensions with the bar scraping against the back uprights - almost like a smith machine.

I'm protecting against falling backward by the back uprights. Although theoretically I could fall forward, there doesn't seem to be that tendency. But again, if I did the horizontal bars that go all the way across the cage would catch the weight bar.

Although it seems a little pricey, its a necessary product for anyone who owns a squat cage.