Free weights vs standing machines

brianthebard

I was in the gym this morning and as part of my work out decided to do calf raises on the standing machine. I had 60kg on it, so that's 30kg for each calf right? I got a good burn out of it but is it more beneficial when trying to build muscle and strength to use free weights?

Smellyirishman

I use a smith machine for calf raises because the movement is not compromised like it is on a squat or other excersises, plus, with a smith, you can put a stepper underneath you and hang your heels off the edge really giving you a good stretch.

brianthebard

Thing is we don't have a smith machine in our college gym, but thanks I'll keep that in mind.

I was using something like this though;



But with a higher step.

Smellyirishman

Yeah, same thing basically.

cowzerp

For this exercise the machine is better-try seated calf raises aswell for better all over calf workout..

yomchi

Machines are better for calf's alright. Its hard to isolate the muscle anyother way. With free weights its easy to cheat due to the calf being surrounded by the much bigger leg muscles. The machine pictured is good for the job!

brianthebard

That's good, I'll keep that up so. The only machines I use are the calf raise and the leg press, but I'm starting a new routine soon hopefully (hadn't been to the gym in three weeks cause I had so many assignments on) so maybe I have enough time to start working out again.

peterk19

You culd also try the donkey calf raise i find this hits the outer calves a lot better than the standing

Reyman

As Cowzerp says seated calf raises are also important.

They hit the smaller Soleus muscle instead of just the Gastrocnemius and give a more complete calf workout