Problem with Quads/Squats

[Goldprospector]

I am having trouble gettin any response from my quads doing squats. I only feel a burn in my glutes and hamstrings. My hams are responding nicely and I am getting substantial growth....but my quads seems to just be staying the same. I have been alternating heavy leg extentions for low reps and lightweight extention for high reps each week but this seems to only define (cuts) my quads rather than cause growth.
First problem is my right ankle don't bend, I had a bone fushion several years ago because of an injury. So the only way I can get my right leg to work while squatting is to have both of my heels elevated. My heels are on a 1" board while I squat, feet are about 3 or 4 inches wider than shoulder width.

I use a smith rack because I work out at home and don't have a spotter, I feel like my form is good, I am going parallel, and my feet are directly under the bar

Should I try, front squats, or maybe push my feet out in front of the bar to turn it into a old hack type?

Any help ?

 

[Bonkme2]

Is it because your hams and glutes can't handle the weight but your quads can? Squats will work the whole leg, so if your hams and glutes are tiring before your quads do, then they're prolly just not strong enough yet.

 

[Goldprospector]

Thanks Bonk...I was wondering that sme thing....but it just didn't sound right so I did not mention it.

 

[Cuthbert]

I would guess that you have your feet relatively far forward, which would place more stress on glutes/hams than quads.

I have two suggestions.. stop squatting in the smith machine and start performing front squats.

 

[Smurfy]

Can you make your stance a bit more narrow? Or will that cause problems with your ankle?

 

[bignate73]

since you dont have much ankle flexion, you are pretty much limited as to the amount of quad you get in your squat. you pretty much nailed it on the head saying that your glutes and hams are getting all the work.

getting out of the smith will definitely help. at least you will be forced to place your feet in a natural balanced position beneath you, that way you can work on eliminating those muscle imbalances.

 

[Texas Ranger]

Front Squats are the way to go like Cuthbert said. They're tough in the beginning, but produce WONDERFUL results.

 

[Goldprospector]

I am trying to figure out what is the deal with the Smith machine???? I have done free squats before I tore up my ankle (had a spotter), and the Smith machine feels excactly the same to me...Maybe I should call it a "Rack" It is Titled "Smith Machine" made by Powerhouse...The squat/bench bar is all but free, it has adjustable height bottom stops and top hangers for the bar.

I might could narrow up my stance a bit, but I would have to put a taller board under my heels to compensate...and with the 1" board that I use now, I hit my head on the top of the rack...Sometimes it sucks being tall.

I split my routines up to where I am never doing the same excersizes in 2 consecutive weeks. I will try the same split with doing front squats, opposite of my regular squats...Basically just having one week of squats and the next week of front squats, and alternating every other week.

 

[Synpax]

This is a smith machine:
http://www.aerobic-fitness.co.uk/store/product_details.asp?dept_id=9&sku=E3013&department=9

This is what you should get instead. Some call it a power cage, some call it a squat box, and some even call it 'where I do my barbell curls'.
http://www.newyorkbarbells.tv/pro92560.html