Calf Machines

boilermaker · 10-16-2005, 03:17 AM

What are your opinions on calf machines? I used the standing calf machine in my workout, but have read in some places that this can place alot of strain on the spine (spinal compression). Are seated calf raises or rotary calf machines equal in stimulating the calf muscle to the standing calf raise machine?

yellowmoomba · 10-16-2005, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boilermaker

What are your opinions on calf machines? I used the standing calf machine in my workout, but have read in some places that this can place alot of strain on the spine (spinal compression). Are seated calf raises or rotary calf machines equal in stimulating the calf muscle to the standing calf raise machine?

No - you need to do both standing (knee locked) and seated (knee bent).

**CowPimp** · 10-16-2005, 10:26 AM

Your spine has to bear large loads all the time in resistance training. However, if you're truly worried about it then you could do leg press calf raises or donkey calf raises. You could also do one-legged calf raises so that the load necessary to provide ample resistance is less.

Seated calf raises aren't as good because your gastrocnemius is almost inactive. During standing movements, both the gastrocnemius and soleus heads of the calf are active.

TJ Cline · 10-16-2005, 02:10 PM

The best exercise and only one I do is standing one leg at a time with a Dumbbell......I usually stand in the back of the incline bench....then just do calf raises one leg at a time

10-16-2005, 03:17 AM	#1
boilermaker On a Mission! Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,290 Photos: 4	Calf Machines What are your opinions on calf machines? I used the standing calf machine in my workout, but have read in some places that this can place alot of strain on the spine (spinal compression). Are seated calf raises or rotary calf machines equal in stimulating the calf muscle to the standing calf raise machine?
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10-16-2005, 10:26 AM	#3
CowPimp Fueled by Testosterone Moderator Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Silver Spring, MD Posts: 15,428	Your spine has to bear large loads all the time in resistance training. However, if you're truly worried about it then you could do leg press calf raises or donkey calf raises. You could also do one-legged calf raises so that the load necessary to provide ample resistance is less. Seated calf raises aren't as good because your gastrocnemius is almost inactive. During standing movements, both the gastrocnemius and soleus heads of the calf are active.
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10-16-2005, 02:10 PM	#4
TJ Cline Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12,544	The best exercise and only one I do is standing one leg at a time with a Dumbbell......I usually stand in the back of the incline bench....then just do calf raises one leg at a time
TJ Cline Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12,544

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