Customer Reviews

Body Solid SCB26 Power Lift Squat and Calf Block Platform

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

This calf block is great!! It's much better than traditional calf blocks. It allows for maximum stretch and contraction of the calves, and the non-slip surface provides sure footing. The unit itself is very sturdy and well-made.

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.

This platform beats back all competitors on the market. The calf raise allows the full range of motion, with or without shoes, unlike others which are too short and allow the heels to touch the ground. It is also very comfortable on the balls of the feet so that allows for more weight and consequently more stress to be placed on the muscle. The squat side of it is also perfect. It is a heavy duty product for lifetime use and it even has a handy handle that makes carrying it to various places in the gym much easier than I would have thought. The handle seems placed at the balance spot on the equipment so it's very functional and easy to use.

Only one thing it is a little high! You must have good balance to hold a loaded bar and stand on this block. I haven't tried out the squat platform yet but it seems like it would be great to use. Built to last very good steel! I just need to practice on my balance now...

Item is very well built. It won't rock during your workout and also won't slide. Slants are at good angles in proportion to the area of the body being worked out.

The gym I go to doesn't have a standing calf machine. So I bought this to take with me on those days. I didn't assemble it. I just use the calf block part. I put it in the smith machine and it (or I) have never lost balance. The squat piece is too wide and makes it too heavy to carry. The calf part has a nice handle built in. The ugly logo was easy to peel off.

I like the curve. It's super grippy (and feels like it's going to take your shoes off). It supports your feet throughout the movement.

This is one solid calf block! It's heavy, stable, and very secure when using. This is better than most calf block I've seen lying around commercial gyms.

I use this in my home gym with my smith machine. This greatly helps motion control when doing calf raises. The footing seems very secure, using light or heavy weight. The grip material on the rounded calf portion of the device works well, no sliding or give in the material. I can't comment on using this with an Olympic bar or dumbbells, though I imagine all stabilization would be up to the user and probably not very safe with heavy weight.

I don't use the squat portion of this device.


Bottom Line:
Definitely recommended.

I preface my review saying that to take full advantage of this calf raise platform and for safety reasons, you have to have some way to balance yourself. I use mine with two 50 lbs bands around the base and up and around my shoulders to add resistance to my calf raises.

My platform is placed just inside a doorway where my pull-up bar is. I lightly hold onto my pull-up bar while doing my calf raises. I also warm up my legs with no resistance, except my body-weight, before I go jogging. This platform really stretches your lower leg. I love it and my Achilles tendons and calves have greatly improved in strength and flexibility. This is one sturdy and portable piece of equipment. I Highly Recommend this for lower leg exercises.

I also use the incline squat platform. I love it. I use one 50lb band underneath the platform and pull the band over the ends of my trap bar and add 100lbs to 300lbs of weights to do squats. As you can see I use jumpstretch and iron woody bands to my workout routines. This platform is perfect to use weights and bands together. I'd give it a higher rating if I could. It's somewhat a pricey piece of equipment, but it is worth it.