PlanWorkouts

Exercise 0773 · REF 6MaEjVA

Smith Standing Leg Calf Raise exercise animation

Smith Standing Leg Calf Raise

Category
Lower Legs
Equipment
Smith Machine
Target
Calves

Standing calf raises against the Smith bar load the gastrocnemius heavier than most bodyweight variations allow, with the fixed bar path removing the balance challenge that usually limits how much weight you can safely add. It's a straightforward way to overload calves once bodyweight raises stop being enough. A full stretch at the bottom of each rep matters more than how much weight is loaded.

How to Do the Smith Standing Leg Calf Raise

  1. Adjust the smith machine bar to a height that allows you to stand with your feet flat on the ground and your shoulders under the bar.
  2. Position yourself under the bar with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing forward.
  3. Place your hands on the bar for stability.
  4. Engage your calves and slowly raise your heels off the ground, lifting your body up onto your toes.
  5. Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your heels back down to the starting position.
  6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Muscles Worked

The Smith Standing Leg Calf Raise primarily targets the Calves, with Hamstrings as the primary synergist muscle group, along with the Glutes.

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 Standing Leg Calf Raise work?
The Smith Standing Leg Calf Raise primarily targets the calves, with the hamstrings and glutes assisting.
What equipment do I need for the Smith Standing Leg Calf Raise?
The Smith Standing Leg Calf Raise is done with a smith machine.
What's a good alternative to the Smith Standing Leg Calf Raise?
If you don't have access to a smith machine, the Ankle Circles targets the same calves using body weight instead.