PlanWorkouts

Exercise 1396 · REF Y4QlY8z

Smith Toe Raise exercise animation

Smith Toe Raise

Category
Lower Legs
Equipment
Smith Machine
Target
Calves

A toe raise trains the tibialis anterior — the shin muscle responsible for lifting the foot — using the Smith bar for resistance instead of just bodyweight. It's an exercise most lifters skip, but a stronger tibialis anterior helps with ankle stability and can reduce shin splint risk for runners. Keep the range small and controlled; this muscle doesn't need heavy load to feel it.

How to Do the Smith Toe Raise

  1. Adjust the smith machine bar to a height that allows you to comfortably stand with your feet flat on the ground.
  2. Position yourself under the bar with your shoulders directly below it and your feet shoulder-width apart.
  3. Place the balls of your feet on a raised platform or weight plates, with your heels hanging off the edge.
  4. Grasp the bar with an overhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  5. Engage your core and keep your back straight throughout the exercise.
  6. Slowly raise your heels as high as possible, lifting your body weight onto the balls of your feet.
  7. Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your heels back down to the starting position.
  8. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Muscles Worked

The Smith Toe Raise primarily targets the Calves, with Ankles as the primary synergist muscle group, along with the Shins.

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