Doing shrugs on a standing calf raise machine. effective?

[bruce9241]

I tried doing shrugs today in the standing calf raise machine. My traps are really sore now.

Does anyone else do this? Does this work? The reason I do this as opposed to barbell shrugs is my grip isn't strong enough for heavy barbell shrugs.

Also, does the weight on the standing calf raise represent the real weight? It says 405 pounds on the calf raise machine, but I doubt I can do 405 pound shrugs if I did them with a barbell (assuming I can even grip it).

 

[timtim]

I tried doing shrugs today in the standing calf raise machine. My traps are really sore now.

Does anyone else do this? Does this work? The reason I do this as opposed to barbell shrugs is my grip isn't strong enough for heavy barbell shrugs.

Also, does the weight on the standing calf raise represent the real weight? It says 405 pounds on the calf raise machine, but I doubt I can do 405 pound shrugs if I did them with a barbell (assuming I can even grip it).

it just takes your grip out of the equation adding the stress to the traps. this is an old exercise, havent done it in awhile. it works fine, especially if you like the angle you are at. if you need help with your grip get chalk.

 

[bruce9241]

it just takes your grip out of the equation adding the stress to the traps. this is an old exercise, havent done it in awhile. it works fine, especially if you like the angle you are at. if you need help with your grip get chalk.

I totally want to get chalk and have even considered the liquid chalk. My gym doesn't allow it though. It's a family fitness center type of place.

Just woke up this morning. My traps are sore as hell. They've never been this sore before.

 

[AEKDB]

It is not the same. The smith machine provides stability which is one of the reasons most can squat more on the smith machine. As for the chalk, when I belonged to a gym I would always use chalk even though it was not allowed. Just clean up the best you can and I doubt anyone will say anything.

 

[joe d]

it works. you are sore as hell because its a new lift for you. throw it in once in a while. get some hooks or straps if you need em for the other lifts do them all.

 

[cryptosporidium]

i go with straps..

ive seen people use the calf machine, but i never gave it a whirl. figure its worth a shot next time just to see what it feels like.

 

[moya]

if you ever want to improve your grip strength this isnt going to help...

 

[SouthernLord]

Hise Shrugs. Sets of 15-20 will burn your traps up at the end of your back workout.

 

[MSA122]

bruises my traps if I shrug them; if I get red marks on my traps I was probably tired and it's a clue I "cheated" on some of the calf raises; shrugging to get the bar up more on the last few reps, lol.

 

[future]

Do whatever works for you. If its safe, works the muscle and you really CAN feel progress by weights and reps going up DO IT.