Holy Crap! Another Reason to leave the Friggin Smith Machine Alone!

[Built]

After getting a torn Patellar tendon surgically reparied I also used the Smith Machine for squats because there was LESS stress on my knee(s). How are you doing them that are causing you knee pain?

Same way I squat in the cage: all the way down.

The one time I tried this it felt like shit. I later read about WHY they felt like shit and felt redeemed - and promptly resumed my place in the cage.

 

[Ben dur]

to me it doesnt make much sense for your knees to be getting any kind of stress at all...

when doing squats the weight should stay centered over your heals...

the motion SHOULD be very close to linear.

that being said

i have always found smith squats uncomfortable and awkward...

maybe the natural path is not linear...

someone with more knowledge critique my point of view.

 

[ALBOB]

to me it doesnt make much sense for your knees to be getting any kind of stress at all...

when doing squats the weight should stay centered over your heals...

the motion SHOULD be very close to linear.

<snip>

That's exactly the point I was making; by using the Smith machine I could move my feet just a little bit forward and keep 100% of the weight on my heels. That eliminated all stress on my knees.

Bah, some people like Ford, some like Chevys. As long as you're in the gym working out you're better than most. And if you're actually doing squats you're even better than that.

 

[Built]

That's exactly the point I was making; by using the Smith machine I could move my feet just a little bit forward and keep 100% of the weight on my heels. That eliminated all stress on my knees.

Not entirely - you eliminated ONE source of stress on them, but introduced a shear stress as your femur slid forward over your tibia.

I'm not sure this is much of an advantage.

 

[ALBOB]

Not entirely - you eliminated ONE source of stress on them, but introduced a shear stress as your femur slid forward over your tibia.

I'm not sure this is much of an advantage.

Okay, good point. I should have said I eliminated all the stress I FELT on my knees. Just because I didn't feel it doesn't mean it wasn't there.

I'm humbled by your presence.


(I'm still gonna use it on the days my back is acting up. )

 

[Built]

Okay, good point. I should have said I eliminated all the stress I FELT on my knees. Just because I didn't feel it doesn't mean it wasn't there.

I'm humbled by your presence.


(I'm still gonna use it on the days my back is acting up. )

ROFLMFAO! Touché!

Listen, it appears to have worked for you. I'm a big fan of not fixing non-broken things.

Personally, Smith leaves me clammy, but we all have our "personal geometries" to harm or protect us. Yours works for Smith squats.

 

[Ben dur]

these arguements and agreements to disagree are fine and everything
but honestly...

i still hate smith machines

 

[gbgamblers23]

i dont think it was the smith machines fault

 

[Ngordyn]

these arguements and agreements to disagree are fine and everything
but honestly...

i still hate smith machines

im with this guy