Calf Raises on the Smith Machine

The smith machine is one of the most versatile pieces of exercise equipment you can have in your home gym. Smith machines are plate loaded exercise machines that you can perform many exercises with, including calf raises.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Set the smith bar on the machine at approximately shoulder height
2. Get a hold of a wooden box at least 6 inches high. Place this box directly under the bar of the machine
3. Stand on the box, and make sure that your heels can move fully up and down (you’ll be on the balls of your feet on the box)
4. Get under the smith bar so it sits behind your neck on the back of your shoulders
5. Point your toes straight ahead, and grab the bar with your hands
6. Unhook the smith bar from the machine and get ready to work!
7. With your knees straight, lower and raise your heels slowly (you’ll feel a stretch in the back of your legs)

This is just one of the many exercises you can do on this fitness equipment. As with all plate loaded machines, add weight plates to increase the resistance of the exercise.

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