What exactly is wrong with smith machine squats?

[stantonz71]

Personally I feel like a caged animal in the smith machine. I can't explode up but I can get more in a rhythm if that makes sense. I also feel the weight more on my toes versus my heels when I go ass to ground. Lately I have been doing more front squats and zee her squats and pleased with the results. If your back is getting pumped.. I'd suggest giving the last two a try.

 

[Xaxist]

I like the Smith machine for squats but it IS a different motion (at least for me) than free squats. It comes in handy when your best spotters are not available and you don't want to trust your ass to some random gym rats. However, it took a lot of experimentation to find just the right stances and technique to feel right. The straight as an arrow up and down motion leaves alot to be desired in my opinion. That being said, I have achieved more wieght on the Smith machine than free standing (565 vs. 495 - 3 Rmin). The Smith machine can help or hurt you. Specifically, I mean that it seems that you can learn to 'use' the machine to lift more but alot of people complain it bothers their knees or lower back.

As in all things, I believe that whatever works for you is best, and there is never just one way to lift.

 

[stevesmi]

well i will say this.. if a gym only offers smith machines would you sign up? the answer for me is a big HELL NO.

 

[Dial_tone]

They serve a purpose if you have an injury or do not have a spotter. I train alone so I press on them. I've seen one that has the ability to move forward and backward as the bar goes up down.

I think free weight squatting is much better if you play a sport.

 

[stevesmi]

they serve a purpose for me. a great place to hang my sweater!

 

[MaxxReps]

I think everyone should learn how to bail in a squat rack early on so if they need to do it they can do it confidently. IMO there is no need to have to resort to smith machines if a spotter is not available.

 

[stevesmi]

I mean if someone is close by you can always just yell.. i don't see why you would ever need a spotter to squat. i used to have a guy who would insist on spotting me and it was annoying he would give me a boost at the exact point where you want to be exploding back up.

everyone should be aware of how much they can do and leaving their ego at home... if you can't do 400 pounds then don't even rack it up. i see some skinny dudes out of college who show up at the gym and throw on way more weight than they can do and use horrible form. for what? half ass form isn't gonna get you anywhere .. lower the dang gun weight and do it properly and build consistency