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FitCi › Exercise Guide › Smith Machine Reverse Calf Raises

How to do Smith Machine Reverse Calf Raises

Primary muscle: Calves

CalvesBeginnerMachineIsolation
Smith Machine Reverse Calf Raises start and end positionSmith Machine Reverse Calf Raises start and end position

Smith Machine Reverse Calf Raises is an isolation exercise for the calves: one joint works, so it comes after the compound lifts to finish the target muscle. Equipment: machine. Difficulty: beginner, suitable for beginners. It takes 5 steps; the most common mistake is covered in the tip below.

Step-by-step

  1. Set the Smith bar on your traps and place your heels on a plate with your toes hanging off
  2. Unrack the bar and stand tall
  3. Lift your toes upward as far as possible
  4. Hold the shin contraction for one second
  5. Lower your toes to the floor under control

Coaching tip

Strengthens the tibialis on the shin; the best insurance against shin splints.

Caution

Skip this move or ask a professional first if you have pain or an injury in: ankle. FitCi filters it out of your program automatically based on the injuries in your profile.

How to program it

Sets × reps and rest by goal; tempo and controlled reps matter most on isolation work. Start at the bottom of the range in week one; add 2.5–5% when you hit the top with clean form.

GoalSets × RepsRest
Strength3 × 6-8120 s
Muscle gain3 × 10-1575 s
Fat loss / conditioning3 × 12-1560 s

FitCi applies this table to your age and goal automatically and writes weekly progression.

Alternatives

More calves exercises

Add this exercise to your program

Build your own program in FitCi, pick an expert template, or photograph the plan your coach gave you; the app tracks sets, reps and weight.