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Lower Legs Exercise · Smith Machine

Smith Reverse Calf Raises exercise animation

Smith Reverse Calf Raises

Category
Lower Legs
Equipment
Smith Machine
Target
Calves

A reverse calf raise flips the emphasis to the tibialis anterior on the front of the shin rather than the calf itself, working the muscle that lifts the toes instead of the one that points them. It's an underused exercise most people skip entirely, but a weak tibialis anterior is linked to shin splints in runners and ankle instability generally. Keep the reps slow — this is a small muscle that fatigues fast.

How to Do the Smith Reverse Calf Raises

  1. Set the smith machine bar to sit just below shoulder height.
  2. Face the bar with your feet hip-width apart, toes pointed forward.
  3. Rest the balls of your feet on the edge of a step or platform, letting your heels hang off the back.
  4. Grip the bar for support, keeping your spine straight and your core braced.
  5. Push your heels up as high as they'll go, shifting your weight onto the balls of your feet.
  6. Hold briefly at the top, then lower your heels back down slowly to the start.
  7. Complete your planned set count, emphasizing full range of motion and strong peak contraction in the calves.

Calorie Burn & Set Tracker

Sets
3
Reps / Set
10
Active Timer
00:00
Estimated Burn
0 kcal

Muscles Worked

The Smith Reverse Calf Raises primarily targets the Calves, with Hamstrings as the primary synergist muscle group.

More Lower Legs Exercises

Ankle Circles Ankle Circles Body Weight · Calves Assisted Lying Calves Stretch Assisted Lying Calves Stretch Assisted · Calves Band Single Leg Calf Raise Band Single Leg Calf Raise Band · Calves Band Single Leg Reverse Calf Raise Band Single Leg Reverse Calf Raise Band · Calves Band Two Legs Calf Raise - (band Under Both Legs) V. 2 Band Two Legs Calf Raise - (band Under Both Legs) V. 2 Band · Calves Barbell Floor Calf Raise Barbell Floor Calf Raise Barbell · Calves

More Calves Exercises

Barbell Seated Calf Raise Barbell Seated Calf Raise Barbell · Calves Barbell Seated Calf Raise Barbell Seated Calf Raise Barbell · Calves Barbell Standing Calf Raise Barbell Standing Calf Raise Barbell · Calves Barbell Standing Leg Calf Raise Barbell Standing Leg Calf Raise Barbell · Calves Barbell Standing Rocking Leg Calf Raise Barbell Standing Rocking Leg Calf Raise Barbell · Calves Bodyweight Standing Calf Raise Bodyweight Standing Calf Raise Body Weight · Calves

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have smith machine? These target the same calves with different equipment.

Ankle Circles Ankle Circles Body Weight · Calves Assisted Lying Calves Stretch Assisted Lying Calves Stretch Assisted · Calves Band Single Leg Calf Raise Band Single Leg Calf Raise Band · Calves Barbell Floor Calf Raise Barbell Floor Calf Raise Barbell · Calves

FAQ

What muscles does the Smith Reverse Calf Raises work?
The Smith Reverse Calf Raises primarily targets the calves, with the hamstrings as the main supporting muscle group.
What equipment do I need for the Smith Reverse Calf Raises?
The Smith Reverse Calf Raises is done with a smith machine.
What's a good alternative to the Smith Reverse Calf Raises?
If you don't have access to a smith machine, the Ankle Circles targets the same calves using body weight instead.