Exercise Comparison
Ankle Circles vs Smith Machine Calf Raise
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Instructions
Ankle Circles
Use a sturdy object like a squat rack to hold yourself.
Lift the right leg in the air (just around 2 inches from the floor) and perform a circular motion with the big toe. Pretend that you are drawing a big circle with it. Tip: One circle equals 1 repetition. Breathe normally as you perform the movement.
When you are done with the right foot, then repeat with the left leg.
Smith Machine Calf Raise
Place a block or weight plate below the bar on the Smith machine. Set the bar to a position that best matches your height. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step onto the plates with the balls of your feet and place the bar on the back of your shoulders.
Take the bar with both hands facing forward. Rotate the bar to unrack it. This will be your starting position.
Raise your heels as high as possible by pushing off of the balls of your feet, flexing your calf at the top of the contraction. Your knees should remain extended. Hold the contracted position for a second before you start to go back down.
Return slowly to the starting position as you breathe in while lowering your heels.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Verdict
Both exercises target the calves. Ankle Circles is a beginner exercise using none, while Smith Machine Calf Raise is beginner and uses machine. Choose Ankle Circles if you have access to none, or Smith Machine Calf Raise if you prefer machine.