Squatting Question

[PinkPanther]

I have been using the smith machine for my squats ever since I started lifting by myself because I was afraid of not having a spotter. Because of a previous post and all the people saying that the smith machine shouldn't really be used, I am attempting to do my squats in just a regular squat rack. However, I feel like I can't "sit back" as good as I could on the smith machine. I just feel like I am going to fall over when I try to do it in the squat rack. Any ideas of what I could be doing wrong. It's weird because I never had this problem before when I was lifting with a spotter...I am wondering if I am just used to the smith machine now and just need to get used to squatting in the rack...any advice/thoughts would be much appreciated...

Thanks,
PinkPanther

 

[super_rice]

i too just started squatting and the difference between being balanced and not is a very thin line.

you just gotta keep working on that form. for me, if i'm not consciously keeping myself as perfectly in form as possible, either i'll lean forward too much, bend my back, not sit back enough, or fall over.

 

[bignate73]

yep, you gotta just get used to it again. the bad thing about squatting in the smith machine is:

whatever the hell you do under the bar to make it go up, will make it go up. essentially, you can have terrible form under it and the bar will still move. essentially, you cant mimic some movements (incorrect movements if mimicking the squat) you do under a smith bar, with balance, under a free bar.

 

[mrjrock19]

sounds like you need to do regular squats with lighter weight so you can create some muscle memory for free squating... youre used to the smith machine so free squating feels totally different

 

[super_rice]

btw, it just takes some time to learn to sit back and keep balance. you actually have to stretch a bit to be able to sit back and keep your back arched.

try to work on your form at home too. i take a hockey stick and just practice in front of the mirror, it helps.

 

[PinkPanther]

Thanks everyone! I feel a lot better knowing that I just need to get back into my old habits. I wish I never would have started using that damn smith machine!! Oh well...I guess ya live and learn...Good idea to practice at home to work on form...I think I will try that.

Thanks again...

 

[2x4]

I had problems with balance and leaning forward too much when I started out. A friend of mine told me to try and do front squats for a few weeks, starting with just the bar. It really helped me learn to keep my head up, back straight and take my arse to the floor. Good luck.

 

[PinkPanther]

Thanks 2x4!!