Hey I have a few questions about squats for you guys. I was wondering how many people here use a smith machine to do squats and do you gain the same as you would versus a barbell? Also when you guys do squats to you do box squats, I think that is what they are called, its when you go down all the way to the bench and push back up. Can you guys give me some feedback on this? Thanks
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Questions about squats
- Thread starter CJMAJOR
- Start date
Smith is ok to me. Yates was big on using the smith!
Box squats I don't like. For some odd reason you might not have smooth control and go down on the box hard and stub your back.
If you don't think you going deep enough set the poll gaurds to where you hit them at parallel to you get the motions down then lower them back down a notch!
Box squats I don't like. For some odd reason you might not have smooth control and go down on the box hard and stub your back.
If you don't think you going deep enough set the poll gaurds to where you hit them at parallel to you get the motions down then lower them back down a notch!
I've tried both and prefer the barbell. Most of the people who work out when I do prefer the Smith machine. If you are training for body-building, use whatever works for you. If you are training for powerlifting, use the barbell.
Sorry I can't help you with box squats. I've never done them.
Sorry I can't help you with box squats. I've never done them.
Box squats are ok if you have good control & don't get stupid w/ the weight.Check your ego @ the door if you want to do these.To much weight & not enuff control can make for an ugly accident , quite possibly a broken back.BE CAREFUL!!!
Have you tried front squats? I tried them a while back and they were ok ,but I just didn't like the pressure on my wrists.Maybe my flexability wasn't good enuff.Maybe you'll have better luck.
Bigtex111
Registered
I personally like the back squats to about 110 degrees of flexion, maybe a little more. I've tried the bench under me and just feel like the opportunity to bounce and hurt my back is much worse than not going to 90 degrees. The latest EMG studies that I've seen that compared back squats to Smith squats showed only significant difference between the two were in the stabilizer muscles of the lower leg (calf and foot). The activity in those muscles was less in the Smith version. The other electrical activity was almost identical. For that reason, I do mainly back squats but add some lighter weight Smith squats with a variety of foot placements.
I prefer Smith machine because when i do bb squats i get pain in my lower back, and i dont get any pain on the Smith. so try both and see what works for you.
Try doing front squats with your arms crossed in front of you over the bar. I've tried it with my elbows pointing up in the air and it is a bit more difficult. If you have any shoulder muscle at all, the bar should rest nicely across your shoulders and you shouldn't have to worry about it rolling off.
I have tried it that way but the bar was always pushed back to neck by my front delt & inhibited taking good deep breaths between reps.
Maybe hacks from the floor would be an option.
Free bar squats are the best.
I also use the smith as well, I can do more weight because there are less stabilizer muscles used, useing the smith has helped my free weight squat.
I would stay away from box squats, if your not sure if your going down far enough, do what Mule suggested.
I also use the smith as well, I can do more weight because there are less stabilizer muscles used, useing the smith has helped my free weight squat.
I would stay away from box squats, if your not sure if your going down far enough, do what Mule suggested.
I'm against performing any movement that alters or restrict the natural movement of ones body. I believe very strongly that balance plays a very important part in building over all strength and any machine or equipment that hinders and prevents regular bodily balance should be avoided unless the person is recovering from injury or has a structure defect. I only do SLOW deep squats and front squats.
Neil
Registered
I agree 100% with this. I have felt weird twinges in my lower back when using the smith and others have told me the same. I think you get more out of using a barbell anyways.
