Smith Donkey Calf Raises

[chris.tan]

Was looking for more straight leg calf variations and found this. Smith machine donkey calf raises. Anyone ever tried them? I've been looking for a way to do these without asking a random guy in the gym to sit on my back. That leads to misconceptions here in Atlanta.

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMn_E7Q_dLQ[/YOUTUBE]

[Doberman]

Yeah, I saw this a while ago, but forgot about it. Thanks for sharing. I wanted to start a new thread with unique exercises, but I know that has been done before, but there always seems to be something new every once in a while worth sharing.

[Adam2433]

I have done them in the Smith by just laying the bar along my lower back and reaching back to spin it. It dug in pretty hard so I would just wear my belt loosely for the bar to rest on. This may not work if you don't have some should flexibility.

[Doberman]

Any one else have any cool exercises or new equipment they've seen lately?

[homonunculus]

Was looking for more straight leg calf variations and found this. Smith machine donkey calf raises. Anyone ever tried them? I've been looking for a way to do these without asking a random guy in the gym to sit on my back. That leads to misconceptions here in Atlanta.

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMn_E7Q_dLQ[/YOUTUBE]

Using a Hip Squat belt is the way to go with doing them as above, as many dip belts will snap once you're over 2-300lb.

I've been doing these like Adam suggested, but with a twist (or without one, actually):

Start with the bar resting on the safety supports, in the open position, with the bar just below your normal range of motion when on the calf block.

Use a yoga mat to pad the bar on your back. (I'm using >500lb on these so the padding seems to come in handy.)

Simply press up do to the set and return the bar to the safety supports when done. (You can prevent bar rotation by how you press up when starting the set - it'll take a couple tries, but isn't tough to do.)

(I tried it like Adam and that worked, but after a tough set and with all that weight, I'd rather not be twisting around as I'm a delicate flower and my petals are easily broken. )

-S

[thedunhill225]

When I read the title I pictured what homon described though after watching the video I would probably choose that way first.

Peace

[chris.tan]

So funny to see dc'ers responses. Weird exercises that put my body into weird positions? Sounds perfect!

Scott that is an absurd amount of weight. In the "golden age" of bodybuilding you would be that guy with three men sitting on your back as you did your donkey raises.

[homonunculus]

Scott that is an absurd amount of weight. In the "golden age" of bodybuilding you would be that guy with three men sitting on your back as you did your donkey raises.

LOL - Only in your wet dreams, Chris... LOL (Sorry, you set yourself up there... )

-S

[homonunculus]

When I read the title I pictured what homon described though after watching the video I would probably choose that way first.

Peace

I would say I prefer using the hip squat belt. It'll depend on the smith machine as to how easy it is to carry the load over your hips.

-S

[thedunhill225]

To be honest though...when it comes to calves I agree with what Arthur Jones said... Single leg calf raises are as good as you can get, you don't NEED anything else.

[chris.tan]

Tried these out yesterday in the gym. I used a dip belt placed low on my back and had a little aerobics step for an elevated surface. Set up was a little weird, but having an inclined bench in front of me to lean on helped with balance.

There was TONS of stretch just behind and below the knee. I did these DC style and I'm glad I was facing down because it was agony. Great exercise though. Great feel to it. Today's DOMS was awful. I was walking around on my heels to avoid any unnecessary calf stretching. I can't even bring myself to massage out the tension. But hey, that's how you know its good.

Highly recommended.