Legs · Smith Machine
Smith Reverse Calf Raises
How to do the smith reverse calf raises, the muscles it works, and the mistakes to avoid. Pulled straight from the Kovo app's exercise library.
- Equipment
- Smith Machine
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Logged as
- Weighted reps
- Movement
- Extension
- Mechanic
- Isolation
How to do it
Set the Smith machine bar across your upper back and stand with your heels on a block and the balls of your feet hanging off, toes pointing down. Pull your toes up toward your shins as high as possible to work the front of your shins, then lower under control.
- 1Feel the front of your shins work as you pull your toes up
- 2Pause at the top, then lower slowly through a full range
- 3Keep your knees soft and weight centered over your heels
Common mistakes
- Do not bounce or rush; control each rep
- Avoid rolling your ankles inward or outward
- Do not lock your knees; keep a slight bend
Muscles worked
The smith reverse calf raises mainly works the tibialis anterior.
- Tibialis AnteriorPrimary
- QuadsMinor
- CalvesMinor
Kovo programs the smith reverse calf raises for you and tracks it every session.
We build your whole program, drop the right lifts into each workout, and adjust your weights as you get stronger. Free on iOS and Android.
More calves & shins exercises
- How to do the ankle cars
- How to do the ankle circles
- How to do the ankle rocks
- How to do the resistance band ankle mobilization
- How to do the calf press
- How to do the calf raises with hold
Last reviewed June 2026.