Calf raise machines: lies?

[Ashtar]

Is it possible that a calf raise machine that uses a weight stack and a pulley misleads people as to how much weight they're calf raising compared to a standard barbell or otherwise plate-loaded calf raise?

I just walked into a gym and was able to do 400lbs a few times and I don't even train calf raise the most calfish thing I ever do is go running short distances. I'm sorta fat so I got fat boy calves but that shouldn't make it possible to be able to raise over twice your weight added on on a first try like this.

This means these guys are liars. Basically, all the machines around the cardio machines were too damn easy. You're able to lift stuff on them you know you couldn't lift if it was a free weight, and you know it's not just a staiblization issue so there's definitely some pulley-assisting BS going on.

[Benji]

Who gives a shit?

[chicanerous]

Who gives a shit?
BIG FOUR

1. squat
2. bench press
3. deadlift
4. calf raise

[Ewasiuk]

Personally I think it's better to do calf raises with a heavy barbell on your back than to sit on your ass lifting things with your calves. But calf machines are concentration machines so it all depends on what your needs are.

[compleks]

Wait, so pulleys and levers make things easier to lift???

[chicanerous]

Personally I think it's better to do calf raises with a heavy barbell on your back than to sit on your ass lifting things with your calves. But calf machines are concentration machines so it all depends on what your needs are.
Until you're holding weights well in excess of what you can squat that aren't doing your spine any good. The best calf work comes lying in a 45 degree leg press, which is the only use that machine is good for in the first place.

[Ewasiuk]

Until you're holding weights well in excess of what you can squat that aren't doing your spine any good. The best calf work comes lying in a 45 degree leg press, which is the only use that machine is good for in the first place.

I forgot about using the leg press for calf raises. Thanks for reminding me :beer:

[zambri]

Wait, so pulleys and levers make things easier to lift???

OH DAMN, WE SHOULD INFORM THE MEDIAS MANS DEM

[TKD_Andy]

I'm sorta fat

ahahha and you wonder why people dont like you for giving shitty advice to people all the time.

[Ewasiuk]

I always thought ashtar was a lean, college-esque kind of guy :eh:

[-Envy-]

I always thought ashtar was a lean, college-esque kind of guy :eh:


Haha. College-esque just makes me think chubby/fat.

[Benji]

dead wrong

[anfeyd]

ahahha and you wonder why people dont like you for giving shitty advice to people all the time.

Yes we don't like you because you are skinny and do that.


lololllolol

[anerky]

I always thought ashtar was a lean, college-esque kind of guy :eh:

Benji is exactly correct! Tyciol is a fascinating specimen, but not of physical prowess.

[Ewasiuk]

Benji is exactly correct! Tyciol is a fascinating specimen, but not of physical prowess.

When I said lean I meant average-skinny lol.

[Hyourinmaru]

Hmm, dunno if thats true or not..
Never really tested though..
Im able to do around 370-380 on barbell calf raises without much trouble..
Never really tried more..
On a machine though i've been on 350 on changing intervals, like, left calf right calf left etc..
10 on each then other, 2-3 sets..

Guess there's a balance <> weightstack preferance issue I guess, but my personal preferance is a barbell, by a looongshit..

[Ninja_Bob]

Using a barbell you have to carry your own weight as well as the barbell.
With a machine you don't have to lift your own weight, just the weights on the machine, so it'll look like you can lift more on the machine.

[Ashtar]

Personally I think it's better to do calf raises with a heavy barbell on your back than to sit on your ass lifting things with your calves. But calf machines are concentration machines so it all depends on what your needs are.No it was a standing machine, thus the mention of shoulder pads rather than thigh pads. I'd like to try out one of those seated machines because it focuses on part of them but apparently it's a secondary thing since standing (straight-kneed) ones are better or something.

Wait, so pulleys and levers make things easier to lift???I know they CAN but I thought it was also possible to hook it up so they didn't.

ahahha and you wonder why people dont like you for giving shitty advice to people all the time.Actually no, I don't wonder at all. I'm pretty much aware that it's not due to the quality of advice but of people thinking you have to walk the talk for it to matter. People tend to give more weight to the opinions of those who are successful regardless of merit, even going to the point of believing bullshit by the uberfit and disregarding genius by couch potatoes.

I always thought ashtar was a lean, college-esque kind of guy :eh:No(t yet).

When I said lean I meant average-skinny lol.No, being skinny-fat is something to aspire to, lol.

Using a barbell you have to carry your own weight as well as the barbell. With a machine you don't have to lift your own weight, just the weights on the machine, so it'll look like you can lift more on the machine.What the fuck are you talking about?
http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/img/213_fig1.gif

[compleks]

Some machines are from a seated position. Maybe that's what he meant...

Either way this thread is pointless.

[Ninja_Bob]

Yeah I was thinking of a seated machine.

[karategirl11]

I use a standing calf raise machine at my gym. I think the weight is pretty accurate. Maybe it's just me..
o_0

[Counterfeit Soda]

Actually no, I don't wonder at all. I'm pretty much aware that it's not due to the quality of advice but of people thinking you have to walk the talk for it to matter. People tend to give more weight to the opinions of those who are successful regardless of merit, even going to the point of believing bullshit by the uberfit and disregarding genius by couch potatoes.

I'd disagree. The majority of ideas I've seen you post on here are beyond rediculous. That's why I feel people disregard your advice. As for the OP, it doesn't matter what weight the weight stack says, all that matters is that you're progressing. It very well could be counting the 400lbs worth of weight on the weight stack, and not the actual weight you feel after all the pulleys, but it doesn't matter anyway.

[Gusch]

I know they CAN but I thought it was also possible to hook it up so they didn't.


Did you actually manage to finish highschool?


Actually no, I don't wonder at all. I'm pretty much aware that it's not due to the quality of advice but of people thinking you have to walk the talk for it to matter. People tend to give more weight to the opinions of those who are successful regardless of merit, even going to the point of believing bullshit by the uberfit and disregarding genius by couch potatoes.


The problem occurs if someone wo is incapable of applying simple training principles in order to reach simple training goals (for example: not being a fat and weak kid such as Ashtar) starts giving total bullshit advice people would like to kill him for.

Sad truth is: having results is not hard. Not having results disqualifies you for giving advice.