How to do the Calves-SMR
- Begin seated on the floor. Place a foam roller underneath your lower leg. Your other leg can either be crossed over the opposite or be placed on the floor, supporting some of your weight. This will be your starting position.
- Place your hands to your side or just behind you, and press down to raise your hips off of the floor, placing much of your weight against your calf muscle. Roll from below the knee to above the ankle, pausing at points of tension for 10-30 seconds. Repeat for the other leg.
Muscles worked
| Role | Muscles |
|---|---|
| Primary | calves |
| Equipment | foam roller |
| Difficulty | intermediate |
No foam roller? Train the same muscles with these
Ordered by how likely you are to own the 6 options.
Easier than the Calves-SMR
Same movement pattern, lower entry difficulty — work up from here.
Common questions
What muscles does the Calves-SMR work?
The Calves-SMR primarily works the calves. Anterior Tibialis-SMR, Calf Stretch Elbows Against Wall, and Calf Stretch Hands Against Wall train the same muscle, across 7 equipment types.
What equipment do you need for the Calves-SMR?
A Foam Roller. Without a foam roller, Calf Stretch Elbows Against Wall, Calf Stretch Hands Against Wall, and Seated Calf Stretch train the same muscle, and 7 of the catalogue's options for this muscle need no equipment.
Is the Calves-SMR suitable for beginners?
It is rated intermediate. Start with Calf Stretch Elbows Against Wall, Calf Stretch Hands Against Wall, and Seated Calf Stretch and work up.
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