jo.com's Full Review: Yukon Fitness Seated Calf Machine
My calves respond really well to weight training. This is in spite of the fact they are considered to be one of the most difficult muscle group to develop. There are several types of calf machines. The one I am reviewing today is the Yukon Seated Calf Machine.
Let’s define calf:
You’ll find your calves on the lower part of the back of your leg under your knee. The purpose of the calf is to flex your foot. There are several muscles in your calf but I will only talk about the one that the Yukon Calf Machine targets. That is the soleus. This muscle is the larger and deeper of the two calf muscles. It originates from the fibula (Your lower leg has two bones. The fibula is the narrower bone. It extends from the knee to the ankle.) and the tibia (The larger of these two bones).
Let’s talk about the Yukon Seated Calf Machine:
I wasn’t familiar with this line until our December/January trip when I found myself in a fitness room for several days that had this line. My first impression and the one that has stayed with me is that this is a good machine for a home gym. I know two people who have home gyms – rooms dedicated just to gym equipment. This would be a great piece for them. At about $150 it is reasonably priced. Remember though that calves can be worked without machines or with a leg press if you have one on your home universal piece.
The Yukon is very simple to use. As with any calf machine you will sit on it, put your toes on the footpad, slowly lower your heels as far as they will go toward the ground, then press back up on your toes until they are fully contracted. Don’t rock back and forth on this movement. The Yukon has one feature, which I’ve never seen. I will get into how to work the Yukon specifically in a moment.
It has a nice seat that curves a bit in the front. I found that seat to be very comfortable. The major feature is the foot rest which angles downward allowing full range of motion. I liked this feature. It is great for someone who might need a bit more support.
Technically, if you work your calves correctly you are getting a full range of motion. You don’t need this angled foot rest but it does allow less cheating. That is another reason I think this makes a good addition in a home gym and the reason we don’t see it in large gyms. Most people who are gym members are motivated enough not to cheat. The Yukon takes the ability to cheat away making it a bit easier to get a full range of motion even with heavier weights.
The Yukon has two hand supports to hold onto while working on this machine. There is padding around each post (support) making the machine very comfortable to hold. In addition you will find block pads (which are the same type as the ones my gym has versus round pads) that will hold your legs in place. The pads are very comfortable against your legs. You should not feel pain in this area while working on the Yukon. You should/may feel pain (burn) in your calves. That pain is fine!
Specifics of using the Yukon Calf Machine:
Like all calf machines you will sit on the bench and put your feet on the foot rest. You will then adjust the kneepads so they fit securely just above your knees. (Your legs are bent. The pads should not be high up on your thighs.) This is very easy to adjust. You will use a pin to place it in the right spot.
Hold on to the handles. In order to move your feet up you have to do something with the pole you see in the picture. I have used this type of pole before though my gym uses another kind. As you lift your knees up against the pad, the pole will move away at an angle. You are now free to raise and lower your calves.
The pole on the front of the machine holds either Standard or Olympic plates. This is one negative to this machine. You need to buy weights. If you truly have a gym in your house you most likely have weights for chest presses. If not you will have to buy a variety of weights. To give you an idea of what you might be looking for, as a 52 year old woman (I swear my birth certificate must be wrong!) weighing 130 pounds and who has worked out for 25 years, I can lift 50 pounds easily. If you are new at this you are going to want to start with 10 pounds and work your way up. It won’t be unusual for a man to be using 3, 45-pound plates.
This machine is 40” long x 21” wide by 34” high. Compared to two of the other calf options this is small. The donkey calf machine is smaller but I don’t think as effective, though I use it. The Yukon weighs 65 pounds so you can see it is easy to move.
Yukon Fitness provides a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects on the Seated Calf Exercise Machine
You’re a personal trainer aren’t you going to give me some exercises?
Actually I am going to because there is one that is unknown to many. Most people including me very often do 3 sets of 12 repetitions or 4 sets of 8 reps, etc. To really feel your calves burn, try what is called 12 12s. Lift and lower your calves in a full range of motion 12 times. At the bottom of the move (Your heels will be toward the floor.) hold for 12 seconds. Then do 12 ½ repetitions. Rather than a full range of motion lift your foot up and flat don’t go into a full range of motion. You will then pulse your foot 20 times. Please let me know how you like this. I’d love to hear from you.
Jo’s Final Thoughts:
I like the Yukon line and I like the Seated Calf machine. I think it is a perfect addition if you can afford it. Remember that calves can be worked on a leg press machine so this is not an essential piece. This is an extra if you have the room and the money. The machine, though light, is quite stable, I feel it is safe if you follow instructions and effective in strengthening and/or shaping your calf area.
I am rating it 5 stars even though I don't consider it an essential piece of equipment if you have to choose pieces.
Feel free to leave me a comment or question.
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