Calf Raise - Smith Rocking Standing

Recommendations: 2-3 Sets, 15-20 Reps, 60 Wght

Intermediate Calves Strength Smith Machine Push Gym

Purpose: This exercise works the calf muscle, specifically the gastrocnemius.

Benefits: This exercise is one of the few that works primarily the gastrocnemius and the upper calf. It also works the fibialis anterior muscle on the front of the shin.

Stand in a Smith Machine with a loaded bar across your shoulders behind your neck. Your feet will be flat on the floor, about shoulder-width apart, and your legs straight. This is the starting position. Raise your heels with an explosive movement, and squeeze your calf muscles. Exhale during this movement. Pause briefly at the top. Slowly return to the starting position by lowering your heels to the floor, bending the knees until your calves are stretched. Inhale during this movement. Lift your toes by contracting the tibia (front shin) muscle. Exhale during this movement. Hold for a second. Return to the starting position. Repeat for the recommended number of repetitions.

The calf consists of 2 major muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus). There are also a number of tendons, such as the Achilles tendon. Seated calf raises focus mainly on the soleus and the tendons in the lower calf.