Smith machine Squats

[simonjpa]

Got to the gym today and the squat rack was being used so instead of waiting i did squats on smith machine i got alot better pump without the lower back ache i always get from free squats. Just curious as to what some of youall think about them should i stick with this or go back to free squats.

 

[BrotherIron]

I would never squat in a smith machine, neither front nor back squat. I want to get more muscles involved, not less. I also want my natural bar path and not have to follow one that's preset b/c of the rods the bar is attached to.

 

[400Lb Gorilla]

never have been a fan of the Smith for any of the bigger lifts. just an unnatural feeling for some reason

 

[PillarofBalance]

When I was a complete newb in the gym, I was scared of free weight squats... So I used the smith. I did this for almost a year. Then I worked legs with a guy one day and we worked in the squat rack. There is no comparison... I haven't squatted in the smith since. Front squatting in the smith hurts my back like hell too.

But if its workin for you, then what the hell. Just ain't for me.

 

[ritch]

can't stand the smith machine. Your body does not press in a straight line, avoid it.

 

[IronInsanity]

My gym doesn't have a hack machine so sometimes I'll use it and put my feet out in front of me and simulate the hack movement. No use for it with regular squats though.

 

[Go Away]

My gym doesn't have a hack machine so sometimes I'll use it and put my feet out in front of me and simulate the hack movement. No use for it with regular squats though.

Those are front squats right? Crushing the quads! Love that movement

 

[IronInsanity]

Those are front squats right? Crushing the quads! Love that movement

No not front squats. I do those free. I basically simulate the hack movement by placing my feet way out in front and go down like sitting in a chair.

 

[NutNut]

The answer is simply no. If your back hurts on reg squats lower the weight and work on form.

 

[ozzy69]

well i guess im against the grain here--i like smith machine back squats--i use them every 3rd leg workout to confuse my legs but keep in mind i dont go real heavy, usually 3 plates on each side max, the motion is not a natural motion on that plain

i also use it for front squats but again never real heavy, its mainly to confuse and try to push more growth

 

[atltrainer]

The unnatural and fixed path of the bar buts stress and shearing forces in your knees and back. Stay away from it.

 

[thebeez61]

I agree with most everyone else in that I'm not a fan of the Smith machine squat. It feels awarkard to me and I beleive I get a better workout with the free weights.