What exactly is wrong with smith machine squats?

[-SD-]

Seriously, whats the hate toward smith machine squats? If someone has been training a long time and knows how to properly use it, why not do squats on this? I feel it allows me to focus on the quads without having to worry about balancing everything. Also my lower back acts up on free weights squats and the smith treats it better.

 

[Evan Tipps]

Theres not a thing wrong with it. People that train like to think they are more "hardcore" or work "harder" than anyone else. Tons of pros use the smith machine for squats, and tons of pros dont even squat. Not a thing wrong with it imo

 

[RickRock13]

Who said there was anything wrong with it?

 

[hulkamainia 119]

alot of people at my gym think its for "girls" but I use it all the time on my light weeks... like squats, military press, bench and even shrugs.. helps in isolating the muscle

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[-SD-]

Who said there was anything wrong with it?

Nothing I can specifically point to on EF, but just in general past postings I can remember from here and other boards.
I am doing them along with heavy leg presses and love it.

 

[Mad Jasper]

Nothing wrong, IMO. But I have lower back issues as well (disc degeneration L2-L5 and two benign tumor removals that damage muscles) and the smith machine kills my back. I can do more with the BB.
Still use it or shrugs and military presses tho.

 

[stevesmi]

I don't use the smith machine personally but I think that a lot of guys have complained that the straight motion puts added pressure to the knees vs. a free range motion that isn't on a line.

 

[ryno9000]

In terms of developing leg muscles for bodybuilding, it will work. If you are concerned with strengthening the body through correct/natural biomechanical movements it is not a valid option.

 

[-SD-]

Just did smith squats again today and my lower back was still lit up so i probably wouldnt be able to even do regular BB squats.

 

[Shrine1]

I do smith machine all the time. Bench press on it too

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[stantonz71]

Personally I feel like a caged animal in the smith machine. I can't explode up but I can get more in a rhythm if that makes sense. I also feel the weight more on my toes versus my heels when I go ass to ground. Lately I have been doing more front squats and zee her squats and pleased with the results. If your back is getting pumped.. I'd suggest giving the last two a try.

 

[Xaxist]

I like the Smith machine for squats but it IS a different motion (at least for me) than free squats. It comes in handy when your best spotters are not available and you don't want to trust your ass to some random gym rats. However, it took a lot of experimentation to find just the right stances and technique to feel right. The straight as an arrow up and down motion leaves alot to be desired in my opinion. That being said, I have achieved more wieght on the Smith machine than free standing (565 vs. 495 - 3 Rmin). The Smith machine can help or hurt you. Specifically, I mean that it seems that you can learn to 'use' the machine to lift more but alot of people complain it bothers their knees or lower back.

As in all things, I believe that whatever works for you is best, and there is never just one way to lift.

 

[stevesmi]

well i will say this.. if a gym only offers smith machines would you sign up? the answer for me is a big HELL NO.

 

[Dial_tone]

They serve a purpose if you have an injury or do not have a spotter. I train alone so I press on them. I've seen one that has the ability to move forward and backward as the bar goes up down.

I think free weight squatting is much better if you play a sport.

 

[stevesmi]

they serve a purpose for me. a great place to hang my sweater!

 

[MaxxReps]

I think everyone should learn how to bail in a squat rack early on so if they need to do it they can do it confidently. IMO there is no need to have to resort to smith machines if a spotter is not available.

 

[stevesmi]

I mean if someone is close by you can always just yell.. i don't see why you would ever need a spotter to squat. i used to have a guy who would insist on spotting me and it was annoying he would give me a boost at the exact point where you want to be exploding back up.

everyone should be aware of how much they can do and leaving their ego at home... if you can't do 400 pounds then don't even rack it up. i see some skinny dudes out of college who show up at the gym and throw on way more weight than they can do and use horrible form. for what? half ass form isn't gonna get you anywhere .. lower the dang gun weight and do it properly and build consistency