What exactly is wrong with smith machine squats?

[-SD-]

Seriously, whats the hate toward smith machine squats? If someone has been training a long time and knows how to properly use it, why not do squats on this? I feel it allows me to focus on the quads without having to worry about balancing everything. Also my lower back acts up on free weights squats and the smith treats it better.

 

[Evan Tipps]

Theres not a thing wrong with it. People that train like to think they are more "hardcore" or work "harder" than anyone else. Tons of pros use the smith machine for squats, and tons of pros dont even squat. Not a thing wrong with it imo

 

[RickRock13]

Who said there was anything wrong with it?

 

[hulkamainia 119]

alot of people at my gym think its for "girls" but I use it all the time on my light weeks... like squats, military press, bench and even shrugs.. helps in isolating the muscle

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[-SD-]

Who said there was anything wrong with it?

Nothing I can specifically point to on EF, but just in general past postings I can remember from here and other boards.
I am doing them along with heavy leg presses and love it.

 

[Mad Jasper]

Nothing wrong, IMO. But I have lower back issues as well (disc degeneration L2-L5 and two benign tumor removals that damage muscles) and the smith machine kills my back. I can do more with the BB.
Still use it or shrugs and military presses tho.

 

[stevesmi]

I don't use the smith machine personally but I think that a lot of guys have complained that the straight motion puts added pressure to the knees vs. a free range motion that isn't on a line.

 

[ryno9000]

In terms of developing leg muscles for bodybuilding, it will work. If you are concerned with strengthening the body through correct/natural biomechanical movements it is not a valid option.

 

[-SD-]

Just did smith squats again today and my lower back was still lit up so i probably wouldnt be able to even do regular BB squats.

 

[Shrine1]

I do smith machine all the time. Bench press on it too

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