Bruises from standing calf machine

[Padawan]

I get nasty ass bruises on my shoulders from the standing calf machine, it leaves marks from the pads, the creases in my shirt, and even cracks in the vinyl on the pads. I don't see a lot of other guys with this problem in the gym, so I am wondering:

Do they not train calves? -or-
Is there some trick I am missing to save my shoulders?

[tigress]

I don't do a lot of standing calves for the very same reason. So I replace with seated calf raises and toe presses on the leg press.

[durbin22]

i get the same marks on my shoulders. they seem to last for 5 days.

[BigD]

i too get the same marks. I've always got them even if I go light on the weight, I just though I had sensitive skin this whole time.

[Fullback57]

I get them really bad also...especially when I go up in weight, you could try to use two small towels and put them on top of your shoulders....I've seen a few people at my gym do that and they say that it works for them

[Padawan]

I'll try that fullback57. I'll try some toe presses, too, but I really like the standing calf machine for heavy work. I started tanning, too, so that may help blend them in a little.

[PaPaPumP]

LOL...if you're anything like my friends, you're never gonna hear the end of it about you tanning. They hound me soooo bad for tanning . .and yet, they take their shirt off for one hour and they look like a freakin tomato. I guess It's ok cuz I get the last laugh when i pimp slap their back and they run around like a chicken with it's head cut off.

sorry this was OT. But i couldn't resist.

I get that same shit..It almost looks like stretch marks, right on the trap/shoulder area.

[Gardo]

I use to have the exact problem. However, by wrapping a shirt around my neck for extra padding I don't get the marks on my traps and shoulders anymore, but don't wrap it around your neck too tight.

[Padawan]

Tried the towel, it helps some. The tanning is great, I hate the "farmer tan" look. When my abs finally get here, I want to be able to take my shirt of without looking like a ghost

[TheGame826]

i get them alot too... i think its because there so much pressure on ur shoulders that it actually pops blood vessels and thats why you get the marks.

[Exocet]

I always get these marks, as does my workout partner. Shitty deal, oh well.