Exercise Comparison
Anterior Tibialis-SMR vs Smith Machine Calf Raise
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Muscle Analysis
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Instructions
Anterior Tibialis-SMR
Begin seated on the ground with your legs bent and your feet on the floor.
Using a Muscle Roller or a rolling pin, apply pressure to the muscles on the outside of your shins. Work from just below the knee to above the ankle, pausing at points of tension for 10-30 seconds. Repeat on the other 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. Anterior Tibialis-SMR is a intermediate exercise using other, while Smith Machine Calf Raise is beginner and uses machine. Choose Smith Machine Calf Raise if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Anterior Tibialis-SMR for a greater challenge.