Exercise Comparison
Balance Board vs Smith Machine Calf Raise
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Balance Board
Instructions
Balance Board
Place a balance board in front of you.
Stand up on it and try to balance yourself.
Hold the balance for as long as desired.
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. Balance Board is a beginner exercise using other, while Smith Machine Calf Raise is beginner and uses machine. Choose Balance Board if you have access to other, or Smith Machine Calf Raise if you prefer machine. Balance Board is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Smith Machine Calf Raise isolates the target muscle for focused development.