Smith Machine Calf Raise
How to do the Smith Machine Calf Raise with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.
Calves
,
Machine
How to do the Smith Machine Calf Raise
- 1
Place a block or weight plate below the bar on the Smith machine. Set the bar to a position that best matches your height. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step onto the plates with the balls of your feet and place the bar on the back of your shoulders.
- 2
Take the bar with both hands facing forward. Rotate the bar to unrack it. This will be your starting position.
- 3
Raise your heels as high as possible by pushing off of the balls of your feet, flexing your calf at the top of the contraction. Your knees should remain extended. Hold the contracted position for a second before you start to go back down.
- 4
Return slowly to the starting position as you breathe in while lowering your heels.
- 5
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Log it, see it on your body.
Every Smith Machine Calf Raise set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your calves volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.
More calves exercises
Smith Machine Calf Raise: common questions
What muscles does the Smith Machine Calf Raise work?
The Smith Machine Calf Raise primarily works the Calves.
Is the Smith Machine Calf Raise suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Smith Machine Calf Raise is a beginner-level exercise, so it's a solid choice if you're new to training. Start light and focus on the movement pattern before adding load.
What equipment do I need for the Smith Machine Calf Raise?
To do the Smith Machine Calf Raise you'll need a weight machine.
Is the Smith Machine Calf Raise a compound or isolation exercise?
The Smith Machine Calf Raise is an isolation exercise, it targets the calves through a single joint, which makes it useful for focused, targeted work.
How do I do the Smith Machine Calf Raise with correct form?
Place a block or weight plate below the bar on the Smith machine. Set the bar to a position that best matches your height. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step onto the plates with the balls of your feet and place the bar on the back of your shoulders. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.
Log your Smith Machine Calf Raise sets, free.
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