Calves exercise · smith machine
Smith Toe Raise
The smith toe raise is a smith machine exercise that targets the calves, with the ankles and shins assisting.
- Target muscle
- Calves
- Also works
- Ankles, shins
- Equipment
- Smith machine
- Body part
- Lower legs
How to do the smith toe raise
- Adjust the smith machine bar to a height that allows you to comfortably stand with your feet flat on the ground.
- Position yourself under the bar with your shoulders directly below it and your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Place the balls of your feet on a raised platform or weight plates, with your heels hanging off the edge.
- Grasp the bar with an overhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Engage your core and keep your back straight throughout the exercise.
- Slowly raise your heels as high as possible, lifting your body weight onto the balls of your feet.
- Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your heels back down to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Sets and reps
For muscle growth, 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with 60–90 seconds of rest is a proven starting point. For strength, use a heavier weight for 3–5 sets of 3–6 reps and rest 2–3 minutes. Add a little weight once you hit the top of your rep range on every set.
Muscles worked
The main muscle is the calves. The ankles and shins work as secondary muscles. See all calf exercises or every smith machine exercise.
