Smith Machine Reverse Calf Raises

A beginner strength exercise for the calves, done with a gym machine.

Movement guide

Smith Machine Reverse Calf Raises

Demand · source-assignedEasy (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredStrength machine

Muscle focusCalves

Gets into position, then repeats the movement. Technical checks passed; qualified exercise review is pending.

Watch it bigger, and flip through similar moves, in the studio.Open in the studio

Make it easier or harder

Start where you can move well, then step up.

Easier option

This is already one of the gentlest options for these muscles.

This move

Smith Machine Reverse Calf Raises demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoSmith Machine Reverse Calf RaisesBeginner · Strength machine

Beginner grade (source-assigned).

Harder option

Rocking standing calf raise demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoRocking standing calf raiseIntermediate · A barbell

Similar move, intermediate grade.

Imported reference · editorial review pending. Clinical review is pending.

This entry comes from an external exercise database. Its instructions and difficulty have not completed our editorial or qualified clinical review.

How to move

Adjust the barbell on the smith machine to fit your height and align a raised platform right under the bar.
Stand on the platform with the heels of your feet secured on top of it with the balls of your feet extending off it. Position your toes facing forward with a shoulder width stance.
Now, place your shoulders under the barbell while maintaining the foot positioning described and push the barbell up by extending your hips and knees until your torso is standing erect. The knees should be kept with a slight bend; never locked. This will be your starting position. Tip: The barbell on your back is only for balance purposes.
Raise the balls of your feet as you breathe out by extending your toes as high as possible and flexing your calf. Ensure that the knee is kept stationary at all times. There should be no bending at any time. Hold the contracted position for a second before you start to go back down.
Slowly go back down to the starting position as you breathe in by lowering the balls of your feet and toes.

Practice and cautions

No dose has been assigned. Any timing or repetition examples in the imported instructions are source examples, not an individualized recommendation.

Imported community instructions and difficulty labels have not been independently reviewed for technique or individual suitability. Equipment labels may include additions inferred from the setup text; check the instructions for the exact support or alternatives. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, numbness or tingling; seek qualified guidance for symptoms, unfamiliar equipment or advanced skills.

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Sources and review status

Sources support the educational description; they do not establish that this exercise is suitable for you.

Free Exercise DB · community text ↗
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5

No variation is labeled clinically validated.

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What it works

Muscles

Main: Calves.

Equipment

Strength machine

Level

Beginner (source-assigned, not yet reviewed). See the easier and harder options above.

Similar moves

Seated barbell calf raise demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoSeated barbell calf raiseBeginner · A barbell + A bench or box

Seated calf raise (machine) demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoSeated calf raise (machine)Beginner · Strength machine

Seated one-leg calf raise with a dumbbell demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoSeated one-leg calf raise with a dumbbellBeginner · A dumbbell + A bench or box

Smith machine calf raise demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoSmith machine calf raiseIntermediate · Strength machine + Weight plates

Standing barbell calf raise demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoStanding barbell calf raiseIntermediate · A barbell

Standing calf raise (machine) demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoStanding calf raise (machine)Intermediate · Strength machine

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Questions people ask

What muscles does the Smith Machine Reverse Calf Raises work?

Mainly the calves.

What equipment do I need for the Smith Machine Reverse Calf Raises?

Strength machine.

Is the Smith Machine Reverse Calf Raises good for beginners?

It is graded beginner, so it suits most people starting out. The grade comes from the source database and has not been independently reviewed. When it feels easy, try the Rocking standing calf raise.

How do I make the Smith Machine Reverse Calf Raises harder?

Progress to the Rocking standing calf raise, or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.