squatting for the ladies question

[dzulboy]

Ok i have been reading your posts for awhile now and i am trying ot figure somethign out that seems so very weird. At my gym i have seen about 7 females squat 225 on a smith for reps and half of them do 315...and these are not muscle bound girls...alot of them are actually high school soft ball players is this freaking normal i know they aren't juicing

 

[bignate73]

squatting on the smith if done "correctly" is like a leg press or hack squat. no doubt the girls are strong but if their back isnt taxed then its just leg drive. check their foot position is it way out front? so their back is perpendicular from the ground, it makes a big difference. not that im belittling that lift it is still some weight.


also, is your smith machine counterbalanced? ive encountered only 1 smith machine that was actually a 45lb bar equivalent, most are 15lbs.

 

[JJFigure]

Have them free squat and see what they can do. It's a world of difference, especially if you squat ATF.

 

[spatts]

Yeah, don't compare that to a free squat.

...that said, yes women can squat 225, 315, , 375, 400, etc...and I think it's pretty normal for someone who tires it. Most women just understimate themsleves.

 

[dzulboy]

i know what you mean by the foot position yeah they are further forward but still ...one girl did four plates on each side for 5 she was 18!

 

[MsBeverlyHills]

nates right....Smith machine gives you the balance/stability to go heavier on squats. If your going after high numbers, do heavy free weight squats w/a weight belt.

 

[Nonerz]

...or without a weight belt ;D

 

[MsBeverlyHills]

...or without a weight belt ;D

dats true Nonerz....Im glad you changed that "Beverly Hills boobs" thread-- that kinda freaked me out

 

[wilson6]

With the women I've trained, going from the smith to the bar cuts the weight in about 1/2.

If they are squatting 315 x 8 on the smith to an 11" box, they'll likely get 185 x 8 with the bar to an 11" box, after learning how to squat.

W6

 

[vinylgroover I]

225 is a alot of weight, i don't care if it's a smith machine or what.....particularly if the girls are in high school.