Squats and the smith machine

[Silent Method]

I always use the smith. I bend too much when I use free weights and I am always scared to go as heavy.

Your lower back is probably a weak link. Simple cure - don't go as heavy. Do your legs as you wish, but save some room for a few sets of squats. Load it light and execute with nothing less than perfect form. In addition, pick up some lower back strengthening moves. Do you do deads? I'm willing to bet that if you practice while striving for perfect form, and stregthen your lower back, in time you will be able to pack on more and more weight while maintaining your good form.

 

[Nelson Montana]

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Why must it be a choice?

If you only do free squats, try the Smith and throw and extra wheel on each side. It'll provide a new kind of stress.

If you only use the Smith, do an all free squat workout and the next day you'll feel muscles you never knew you had.

 

[Nelson Montana]

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Why must it be a choice?

If you only do free squats, try the Smith and throw and extra wheel on each side. It'll provide a new kind of stress.

If you only use the Smith, do an all free squat workout and the next day you'll feel muscles you never knew you had.

And while you're at it, hit the hack squat. (It's usually empty.) Hacks are harder on the knees but get more of the quad. Free squats get more of the glutes. (as does the leg press)

 

[sergio]

The main advantage using the Smith machine is that you can vary your stance(positioning of your feet). If you position them slightly ahead, there is more emphasis on the quads. It also eliminates lower back pressure when training heavy,which is a common problem with reg. squats. And of course, you can throw more weight on the Smith machine. It is also much safer in general..
Personally, I could only get a good workout doing reg. squats with a spotter. I don't trust myself training to failure...too dangerous !

 

[muscle_geek]

The smit machine is great for when I'm doing 30-40 rep sets, butt touching the ground. Its bad for your joints and range of motion going heavy. But its awesome for the high rep quad isolation exercised. My quads have grown incredibly using the smith. Its not for pussies like some of you say, but many of us have back/ankle injuries and would still like to develop our legs.

 

[Serenity Head]

I think they can be OK if done right. But They are really effective for front squats because you can still use your natural form.

 

[Jxaxsxe530]

i use both. i warm up with the regular squat, then i use smith for my max out sets. so far has worked good for me. my form when doing heavy regular squat is sloppy. anyways my conclusion is it doesn't really make a difference which one u use as long as u feel comfortable wid it. a jacket only keeps you warm if u use it. an exercise will help you only if you do it, and you wont do it its uncomfortable.