Smith Seated Calf Raise

The Smith Seated Calf Raise primarily works the Soleus, with secondary activation of the Gastrocnemius (Medial). It is a smith machine isolation exercise at beginner difficulty.

A smith machine isolation push exercise targeting the Soleus.

EquipmentSmith Machine
DifficultyBeginner
TypeIsolation
MovementIsolation
ForcePush
LateralityBilateral
PrimarySoleus
SecondaryGastrocnemius (Medial)

Muscles Worked

Front
Back
Primary Secondary Stabilizer

Primary Muscles

Secondary Muscles

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Position bar slightly higher than lower leg height. Wrap bar pad around center of bar. Place calf block under bar and bench near bar. Sit on bench facing bar and place toes on lower portion of platform with heels extending off. Grasp bar to sides and extend ankles to raise knees so lower thighs are under padded bar. Push heels further up. Disengage bar by rotating bar back. Execution: Lower heels by bending ankles until calves are stretched. Raise heels by extending ankles as high as possible. Repeat. Comments: Safety stops can be used to support bar at lowest position, particularly if it is difficult to rack bar to original height. If possible, adjust height of bench or calf block so thigh is close to horizontal. Movement is predominately Soleus. Gastrocnemius are inactive insufficiencysince knees are significantly bent. SeeCalf Exercise Analyses.

Alternative Exercises

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