smith machine squats with no hands!

[al420]

You CAN NOT use a Smith Machine and call yourself Leonidas. Is this a joke.

A proper squat cannot be preformed on a Smith Machine - period.

 

[deathdroprob]

You can not do ATG squats in a smith machine unless your body is built 100% different than everyone else.

Ass to grass is what I ment by this. Not actually making it touch the ground (is that possible?) But I simply mean going down as far as my body will allow.

 

[thebadguy54]

The smith machine is just another useless thing at the gym I never ever touch.

Get off the smith machine and squat like a man.

 

[Y_lifter]

Of course, there are many criticisms against the Smith machine, and they do have merit. However, Smith machines are only lacking when compared to perfection; in this case perfection would be using convential free weights during workouts, ie, dumbbells and barbells. Of course, dumbbells and barbells are better, but Smith machines are still beneficial.

Barbells and dumbbells recruit additional muscle when training, because you need to stabilize the motion by yourself. When you use a Smith machine, the machine stabilizes the motion for you throughout the entire range.

This makes it easier for you to perform the motion safely, but the problem is that you will not recruit muscle fibers used to stabilize the motion as you would using free weights. As a result, the level of development for both muscle mass and strength will be lower while using the Smith machine than while using free weights. But think about that - your workouts may lack in comparison to a workout using free weights, but that is not to say you will not gain both muscle mass and strength.

Sounds like you may not be unable/comfortable doing squats using a BB and a rack, which we all know is preferred, at this time due to physical issues.

Do what you can vs doing nothing IMO..

 

[Lee]

I do squats in the smith machine only because i have no choice. Free weight squats destroy my lower back ever since I injured it at work last year. Its been a few months though, gotta give free weigh squats another shot here soon. I pray they go smoothly

 

[redguru]

Why don't you use that Hammer Strength upright squat machine instead of the smith? The form is much more natural.

 

[AEKDB]

Ass to grass is what I ment by this. Not actually making it touch the ground (is that possible?) But I simply mean going down as far as my body will allow.

The geometry of the smith machine does not allow ATG squats. I guess you could do low smith machine squats but, IMHO, this is where you enter the danger zone as your body is out of its natural position and places too much stress on the knees.

 

[mrgravez]

I don't see how you can go ATF using the smith machine without seriously putting yourself at risk of an injury. I do like the smith machine for calf raises, my gym has a nice wooden platform

 

[al420]

The geometry of the smith machine does not allow ATG squats. I guess you could do low smith machine squats but, IMHO, this is where you enter the danger zone as your body is out of its natural position and places too much stress on the knees.

I am a little dissapointed you even know what a Smith Machine is...

Wipe that chalk off your face.

 

[OMEGA]

Smith machines are awesome