Reverse Calf Raises are a favorite exercise choice in just about every gym to help achieve the “sweeping calves” that so many bodybuilders and fitness competitors strive for. Reverse Calf raises not only build and strengthen the primary muscle on the front of your lower leg (tibialis anterior), but they’ll also pack on mass in your calves.
In addition, Reverse Calf Raises work your calves from a different angle, increasing the ability of your calves to flex and further develop this muscle. Reverse Calf Raises also relieve the Achilles’ tendon, which can take a beating during heavy sets of standard Calf raises done with a full range of motion.
How to do Reverse Calf Raises
- Stand with your heels on the footboard of a standing calf machine, and feel yourself get taller.
- Stand tall while practicing for this test by using an exercise called “the high block.” You’ll want to place one leg onto either side so that both feet rest against something solid–like wood or metal!
- Lower your toes to the bottom. Mention that this is an impossible move for most people, but it’s one worth trying out because you will feel like a total badass when executed correctly in front of friends or at least get some good laughs from them!
- Lift the toes upwards, trying to contract your hamstrings and quadriceps! Wow, that’s a lot of muscles.
For this exercise, as well as all others in our legs workout series be most effective, they should include some physical activity such as kicking or jogging at least 3 miles per week because those activities engage so many different muscle groups, including ones you may not have ever even heard about before like iliotibial band (or something spelled differently).
Benefits of Reverse Calf Raises
- Reverse Calf Raises work your calves from a different angle, increasing the ability of your calves to flex and further developing this muscle.
- Reverse Calf Raises also relieve the Achilles’ tendon, which can take a beating during heavy sets of standard Calf raises done with a full range of motion.
- Designed to develop the lower part of your leg. The Reverse Calf Raise was created by physical therapists who noticed that too much time spent on one side causes problems with balance. By working both sides, you can help prevent injury and promote better posture!
- The reverse calf raise is a great way to make your legs look longer. This type of exercise also targets the sagging area in front from when we sit too much!
- A good calf raise exercise can be the difference between victory and defeat. This is because it helps out sportsmen such as runners, jumpers or sprinters and those who play basketball!
Alternatives of Reverse Calf Raises
1. Seated Calf Raise Machine
This machine is like Reverse Calf Raises, but it’s simply a seated version. This means that you’ll be able to use more weight and perform Reverse Calf Raises with more repetitions.
2. The Donkey Calf Raise
This is a great exercise to target your calves. Place a barbell on your traps and start with your feet shoulder-width apart. Rise on your toes and then lower them below the level of your heels. Keep your back straight and hold for two seconds at the bottom of each rep. Perform 3 sets of 8-12 reps.
3. The Standing Calf Raise
This is the classic calf raise exercise. Place your feet shoulder-width apart and rise on your toes, then lower them below the level of your heels. Keep your back straight and hold for two seconds at the bottom of each rep. Perform 3 sets of 8-12 reps.