Calf raises with the Smith Machine...

[Abaddon]

Originally Posted by 5kgLifter

If they have a board, I may do that, since there will be less chance of slipping from a higher platform; I would say weight plates, but I think it's the sort of place that won't permit that

I use paving tiles. But that doesn't help either, in your case.

[5kgLifter]

Originally Posted by Abaddon

I use paving tiles. But that doesn't help either, in your case.

Nope, but it may help someone else who's reading the thread


The gym is one of those, if you drop the weight then it was too heavy for you and don't grunt etc.

My theory is: if you've lifted the weight and grip gives on the descent, how can it be too heavy for you, you lifted it didn't you??

[bruteforce]

Originally Posted by 5kgLifter

Nope, but it may help someone else who's reading the thread


The gym is one of those, if you drop the weight then it was too heavy for you and don't grunt etc.

My theory is: if you've lifted the weight and grip gives on the descent, how can it be too heavy for you, you lifted it didn't you??

I like your theory. Leads into my own of: If you don't look like you just got punched in the stomach, it wasn't heavy enough. Someone needs to start a chain of gyms that allows real lifting and hard effort, or at least open one closer to me.

[5kgLifter]

Originally Posted by bruteforce

I like your theory. Leads into my own of: If you don't look like you just got punched in the stomach, it wasn't heavy enough. Someone needs to start a chain of gyms that allows real lifting and hard effort, or at least open one closer to me.

Yep, agree, everything is so fitness oriented nowadays. They only have one squat rack and that's not a cage style thing.

And when I asked about calf raise machines, they said they weren't a bodybuilding gym which leads me to wonder why on earth the trainer wanted 3-2-3 TUT on the Leg Press

There's no triceps rope pull down either, but I figured I might get away with the cable machine for that??

[Aurik]

I've done standing calf raises on the smith machine before. I've also used the leg press to get the same type of calf stimulus. Either works quite well, and it's better than a specialized piece of equipment that can only be used for one thing.

[5kgLifter]

Originally Posted by Aurik

I've done standing calf raises on the smith machine before. I've also used the leg press to get the same type of calf stimulus. Either works quite well, and it's better than a specialized piece of equipment that can only be used for one thing.

The trainer suggested that the Leg Press might be useful for that, last time I was there but after the lower back issue, I'm not sure I'd want to use it...but it's certainly an alternative option.

[LtL]

What about seated calf raises with dumbbells on the knees? No balance issues then?

LtL

[5kgLifter]

Originally Posted by LtL

What about seated calf raises with dumbbells on the knees? No balance issues then?

LtL

That has been suggested as well, tried that, but the problem is getting heavy enough dumbbells on to the knee; getting the first one on is not so bad but then trying to get a second one on will be a nightmare over 20kg+. Great alternative again though.

[big_swede]

I tried them once, years ago. Being 193 cm and careless as i am i did not take the height of the smith under consideration before exploding up. Bumped my head straight into the top of the machine and felt stupid like never before =)

Another option for seated calf raises is to just place a bb over your thighs, if you get what i mean?

Good luck =)

[5kgLifter]

Originally Posted by big_swede

I tried them once, years ago. Being 193 cm and careless as i am i did not take the height of the smith under consideration before exploding up. Bumped my head straight into the top of the machine and felt stupid like never before =)

Another option for seated calf raises is to just place a bb over your thighs, if you get what i mean?

Good luck =)

Thankfully, I'm a shorty

BB on thighs, noted. I can try all variants whilst I'm there, not to mention some at home.