Elvis16's Review Of Smith Machine Reverse Calf Raises

Dec 7, 2009 4:16 PM: It's a good exercise and a few people in the gym do it. But in my opinion I don't feel my calves working when I do this exercise. I feel that works a muscle on my front shin and it's really painful when you get to the 20th or 15th rep. A lot of people say that the exercise's function is to wide your...+See More It's a good exercise and a few people in the gym do it. But in my opinion I don't feel my calves working when I do this exercise. I feel that works a muscle on my front shin and it's really painful when you get to the 20th or 15th rep. A lot of people say that the exercise's function is to wide your calves to the sides.-See Less

May 20, 2010 4:49 AM: You're exactly right. This exercise is almost completly worthless as a calf workout. It will not work the gastroc or soleus. Calf exercises require the heel to be unsupported. The particular exercise would be great for the tibialis anterior which is why you felt it so much in the front of your lower...+See More You're exactly right. This exercise is almost completly worthless as a calf workout. It will not work the gastroc or soleus. Calf exercises require the heel to be unsupported. The particular exercise would be great for the tibialis anterior which is why you felt it so much in the front of your lower leg. It's an important muscle that I often have to work on with people in physical therapy treatments but it's not going to make your calves bigger.-See Less