Legs · Smith Machine
Smith Standing Leg Calf Raise
How to do the smith standing leg calf raise, the muscles it works, and the mistakes to avoid. Pulled straight from the Kovo app's exercise library.
- Equipment
- Smith Machine
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Logged as
- Weighted reps
- Movement
- Extension
- Mechanic
- Isolation
How to do it
Stand inside the Smith machine with the bar across your upper back and the balls of your feet on a low platform, heels hanging off. Rise as high as possible onto the balls of your feet, squeeze, then lower your heels below the platform for a stretch.
- 1Calves contracting hard at the top of each rep
- 2A deep stretch as you drop your heels below the platform
- 3Tall, stable posture with the bar guiding the path
Common mistakes
- Bouncing at the top or bottom
- Letting your ankles roll inward or outward
- Leaning forward or bending the knees
Muscles worked
The smith standing leg calf raise mainly works the calves.
- CalvesPrimary
- QuadsMinor
- HamstringsMinor
Kovo programs the smith standing leg calf raise 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.