squats with smith machine

arbntmare · 01-14-2002, 12:25 AM

i just read on http://www.theministryoffitness.com/...nims/squat.htm

that it is not recommend to do squats with a smith machine.. why is that???

Tank316 · 01-14-2002, 04:35 AM

if your just starting out[a rookie] i would say to still train with a smith machine.it has a lot of great use's.my guess is that they are thinking in the real HEAVY use's like powerlifting.when your're powerlifting,1st some smith machines CANT handle over 500lbs safely.2nd powerlifters need to what they call the GROOVE,its a all out mental foucus on getting set and feeling your way down to the bottom.the smith machine has a lot of great uses 1st of one would be SAFETYthen form.*if youre gonna use it to squat,make sure your hips and the bar stay lined up!*i should also say,some smith machines can handle 500lbs in a safe manner,the one i train with,cant

arbntmare · 01-14-2002, 02:03 PM

i don't think i plan to use 500lbs weights any time soon hehe.. i thought it just might be considered bad for the back or something... right now i am up to only 270 and don't plan on going any higher unless i can do 20 reps on it easily

Denny · 01-14-2002, 02:23 PM

I agree....use the Smith machine if you're alone....I also use it for shrugs, just a habit I guess

**I Are Baboon** · 01-14-2002, 02:32 PM

I've been using the Smith machine for squats for the last month because I am nursing a sore hip. The Smith machine allows me to keep my feet closer together, which is easier on my hip. But next Saturday, it's back to the squat rack. I definately get a better workout doing traditional squats.

**gopro** · 01-14-2002, 03:49 PM

There is nothing wrong with smith squats at all. Some people get more out of them than free bar squats. The best way to do them for pure quad development is with the feet foward and back straight. This eliminates much of the glutes and hams and forces more work by your quads. By all means include them in your routine from time to time.

01-14-2002, 12:25 AM	#1
arbntmare StudentDentistTeethPuller Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Virginia Posts: 309	squats with smith machine i just read on http://www.theministryoffitness.com/...nims/squat.htm that it is not recommend to do squats with a smith machine.. why is that???
	No Pain, No Gain

01-14-2002, 04:35 AM	#2
Tank316 P/RR/Sh Warrior Elite Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Barron,Wi Posts: 4,345 Photos: 8	if your just starting out[a rookie] i would say to still train with a smith machine.it has a lot of great use's.my guess is that they are thinking in the real HEAVY use's like powerlifting.when your're powerlifting,1st some smith machines CANT handle over 500lbs safely.2nd powerlifters need to what they call the GROOVE,its a all out mental foucus on getting set and feeling your way down to the bottom.the smith machine has a lot of great uses 1st of one would be SAFETYthen form.if youre gonna use it to squat,make sure your hips and the bar stay lined up!i should also say,some smith machines can handle 500lbs in a safe manner,the one i train with,cant Last edited by Tank316 : 01-14-2002 at 07:37 AM.
	P/RR/Sh Warrior. Epic's new man beast.

01-14-2002, 02:03 PM	#3
arbntmare StudentDentistTeethPuller Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Virginia Posts: 309	i don't think i plan to use 500lbs weights any time soon hehe.. i thought it just might be considered bad for the back or something... right now i am up to only 270 and don't plan on going any higher unless i can do 20 reps on it easily
	No Pain, No Gain

01-14-2002, 03:49 PM	#6
gopro NGA/IFPA Pro Bodybuilder Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Ft. Lauderdale Florida Posts: 10,499	There is nothing wrong with smith squats at all. Some people get more out of them than free bar squats. The best way to do them for pure quad development is with the feet foward and back straight. This eliminates much of the glutes and hams and forces more work by your quads. By all means include them in your routine from time to time.
	Monthly columnist for Muscular Development and Ironman magazines. VPX Sponsored Athlete/Board Rep www.prrstraining.com Time to GROW Without Plateau! Personal Training Gopro is available for online personal training, dietary guidance, and contest prep coaching. Send me a PM or e-mail if interested. Thank you.

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01-14-2002, 02:23 PM	#4
Denny Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: North Kingstown, RI 02852 USA Posts: 19	I agree....use the Smith machine if you're alone....I also use it for shrugs, just a habit I guess

01-14-2002, 02:32 PM	#5
I Are Baboon pedal pedal pedal Moderator Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Beerville Posts: 10,805 Photos: 10	I've been using the Smith machine for squats for the last month because I am nursing a sore hip. The Smith machine allows me to keep my feet closer together, which is easier on my hip. But next Saturday, it's back to the squat rack. I definately get a better workout doing traditional squats.

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