Anterior Tib Machine Review

The anterior tib machine is another product by the Tib Bar Guy aimed at strengthening the tibialis anterior muscles.

I previously tested the Tib Bar Guy’s solo tib bar which also trains the anterior tib, so what’s different?

Well…the tib machine is more of an isolation machine that takes ankle instability out of the equation.

So when I do tib raises on it, I only feel it on my shin muscles.

My ankle doesn’t have to stabilize any lateral movements, just go up and down and the pump is insane.

Let’s check it out!

Unboxing

The anterior tib machine comes with the loading bars unattached.

I pulled out the tib machine, two loading bars, and two weight collars.

Here’s a front view of it.

I like that the padding is thick so the weight sits comfortably on top of my foot.

And the foot support is diamond plated foot for better grip.

Here’s the view from behind.

That’s where I slip my foot in to start the exercises.

At the end of each loading bar there’s built-in bolts that screw into the side of the tib machine.

I matched the holes on the sides to the bolts and turn clockwise to lock both loading bars in.

As far as assembly goes, that’s all there’s to it.

There’s no tools required.

And here’s the anterior tib machine all set up.

Specs

• Weight: 29 lbs

• Dimensions: 10.5” H x 16″ D x 23″ W

• Foot slot: 6” wide, diamond plated

• Loading bars: 5” long and detachable, (2) weight clamps included

• Material: Heavy-duty steel with UHMW plastic weight bumpers and rubberized feet

• Finish: Black powder coat

• Foam roller: 3/4″ thick, commercial grade

Features

Pivot Point

This right here is the feature that makes the anterior tib machine different than single leg tib bars.

The whole exercise revolves around two pivot points that remove ankle instability from the exercise.

So the biomechanics of the movement are always perfect and my shin muscles do all the work without fighting side to side movements.

This is something Freak Athlete tried to simulate by adding a pivot point to the heel of his Tri Flexor.

Compact

Size wise the anterior tib machine takes about the same space as one of my competition bumper plates.

I can also remove the loading bars to reduce the width.

Padding

The padding that goes on top of my foot is 3/4″ thick and held down by velcro.

It’s surrounded in some sort of faux leather and feels comfortable.

Weight Bumpers

Right on the front legs there’s two pieces of UHWM plastic.

These are there so that when the weight comes down there’s no metal on metal contact.

Rubberized Feet

Four rubberized feet keep the anterior tib machine grounded.

With the weight moving straight up and down (no sideways motion), I don’t really have to worry about the tib machine slipping.

Loading Bars

And finally, there’s the detachable loading bars.

The loading bars are compatible with Olympic sized weight plates with 2″ center holes.

But because the tib machine sits low to the floor, I can’t use bumper plates or weight plates with big diameters.

So I have to use my 5 lbs and 10 lbs iron change plates.

And it may look like light weight but believe me, it’s a tough exercise and the isolation is so good that I don’t need much weight.

If you don’t have change plates, Cap Barbell sells a cheap set of (4) 10’s for about $55.

You don’t need to get expensive plates for this.

These iron plates will get the job done without breaking the bank.

If I wanna make micro jumps in weight then I use my change plates in combination with my fractional plates.

Benefits of Anterior Tibialis Exercises

The Tibialis Anterior muscle is responsible for deceleration and lifting your foot up (dorsiflexion) every time you step.

It also absorbs forces when your heel hits the ground.

So anytime you walk, jump, or run, it is hard at work.

People often neglect the Tibialis Anterior.

I always see people doing calf raises but never anterior tib raises.

So it’s often weak when it comes to absorbing forces from the ground up.

With constant force and repetitive actions like walking, running, and jumping, this can lead to ankle pain, shin splints, and knee pain.

So with strong anterior tibialis muscles, my body can absorb more forces every time my heel hits the ground.

This can reduce my chances of ankle and knee pain or injuries.

If you follow the Knees Over Toes Guy program, you’ve heard of this before.

Ben Patrick calls this muscle the first line of defense for the elimination and prevention of knee pain.

Anterior Tib Machine vs Solo Tib Bar

So what’s the difference between using a solo tib bar and an anterior tib machine?

Let me explain…

The anterior tib machine is an isolation machine, so I don’t have to worry about my ankle moving around.

The pivot points on the tibialis trainer take out all side to side ankle shifting from the exercise.

I can only go up and down so my ankle can only move straight up and down putting the whole focus on the anterior tibialis.

The Solo Tib Bar is different because my ankle has to support the weight in all planes of motion.

If you look at the pic above, my ankle is free to move side to side so that takes some of the focus off the tibialis anterior muscle.

Yes, I can still strengthen my anterior tib but I also have to deal with stabilization which is not as isolating as the anterior tib machine.

Anterior Tib Machine vs Tib Bar

I know you’re probably wondering, “So what about using a tib bar?”

Well, I’ll show you what’s different between these two.

And yes, a tib bar does give me more ankle stability since I’m using two feet but the force of gravity is where it’s at.

With the anterior tib machine, my shin muscles are moving the weight straight up and down in line with the gravitational pull.

Going straight up against constant gravitational tension is the hardest way to workout any muscle.

Doesn’t matter whether I do this seated or standing, the angle is still the same.

With a tib bar I can hang my feet of the edge of a flat bench or I can use a decline bench to make it harder.

But I can’t get my shin bones vertical because the tib bar will slip out of my feet.

So the best I can do with a tib bar is train at about 45 degrees angle which is not as hard going straight up.

This is why I don’t need a lot of weight on the anterior tib machine to get an effective workout.

Titan Tibia Dorsi Calf Machine vs Tib Bar Guy Anterior Tib Machine

Titan Fitness sells their own version of the anterior tib machine.

To keep it short I created a table to compare features between Titan’s and the Tib Bar Guy’s.

In a nutshell, the Tib Bar Guy’s tib machine is more compact, weighs less, and more affordable than Titan’s.

Tib Machine Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact: Designed for single leg use to minimize space and has detachable loading bars to make it even smaller

• Isolation: I feel much better isolation with the anterior tib machine than with a solo tib bar or tib bar

• Comfortable: Padding is 3/4″ thick and feels comfy on top of my foot

• Biomechanics: Foot plate pivots up and down so form is always perfect without side to side ankle shifting

• Stable: Four rubberized legs keep the tib machine from slipping

• Less pain: Strengthens the Tibialis Anterior muscle which decreases the chances of shin splints and knee pain.

Cons

• Plate size: Can’t use regular Olympic sized weight plates. If you don’t have change plates you’ll need some.

Tib Bar Guy Discount Code

The anterior tib machine currently retails for $149.

But you know I try to hook you up whenever I can so here’s what to do so you don’t pay full price.

Click here and use coupon code SHREDDED for a discount.

The Anterior Tib Machine Review

I’ve tested many tib bars and single leg tib bars in my garage gym.

And yes they all work, but I’ve found the anterior tib machine to be the most effective.

It takes all side to side ankle movements out of it so all the focus goes to my shin muscles.

I get full range of motion and a crazy pump but most importantly, develops an undertrained muscle to help reduce shin splints and knee pain.

Check Out The Anterior Tib Machine

Anterior Tib Machine

4.7

Compact size

4.7/5

Isolation

4.8/5

Comfortable

4.7/5

Biomechanics

4.7/5

Stability

4.7/5

Check Out The Anterior Tib Machine

Shredded Dad

Garage gym athlete, gym hacks, DIY gym projects, and garage gym equipment reviews

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