Free weight vs Smith Machine Squats.

[BIGRICH]

I have always squated with free weights, always getting stronger, but the only thing that was really growing was my ass. I had stop squatting because my glutes where getting to big. This week i started squating on the Smith Machine, not only did i get a burn from hell, i was able to hold a very strict form, go rock bottom with an awesome stretch, and had hardly any pain on other joints or lower back.
Therefore I am now an Advocate for Smith Machine Squats. I will do an ocassional free weight squat. This felt awesome, compared to any squat workout I have done in the past.

Comment on you Pro's and Con's of either Free weight, or Smith Machine Squat.

I also started doing Lunges on The Smith Machine, also felt much better than Free weight.

Post Your Opions Please

 

[the People's Champ]

I saw this one dude today at the gym doing smith squats with four plates on each side doing partial reps. I don't know if he gets anything out of that, but for sqats, I am all about range of motion until I hit a plateau. good for you that you found some good in smith squats.

 

[Lord_Suston]

I prefer freeweights due to part that a human natural lifting arch is not straight up and down. It is slightly curved, this is due to the difference in joint angles and tendon insertions. So when I trty doing squats on a smith machine or any exercise for that matter i feel locked into place, and don't get the full benefit from a workout. Sometimes tyhe smith machine is necessary, especially people who are coming back from an injury or certain types of specialized traing. Hey Bigrich for quads try a high bar squatin style or hack squats with a narrow stance, you'll feel the burn...