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Smith Machine squats

djgaler

New member
Ok bros is it better to use the smith machine or free squat rack while doing squats?? Or does it matter??
Thanks,
DJ
 
Free weights. The smith doesn't let your body track properly and can lead to imbalances and injuries. Your body doesn't travel in a straight line when you squat and the smith forces it to do so.

Cheers,
Scotsman
 
free weights. free weights. free weights. pretend that the smith machine doesn't exist. its worthless. you cannot squat properly in that thing.
 
djgaler said:
Another quick question, are you suppose to squat all the way down??
Thanks,
DJ

By squatting low, you involve your hamstrings and glutes to a greater degree, than when squating in a shallow manner - it is much better to do this, as more muscle is stimulated. However, those who are not particularly flexible find this difficult. Powerlifting dictates that a squat to parralel is an acceptable lift, however, purely from a training perspective, squatting lower than this has added benefits (powerlifters go below parallel in training).

Just don't let the kneees extend over the toes (something which is unavoidable if you try to do traditional squats (not feet placed, far out) on a smith machine. Also Smith machine places extreme shear forces on your joints, and you have to place the bar on a different part of your back - avoid.
 
SPORT SCIENTIST said:
By squatting low, you involve your hamstrings and glutes to a greater degree, than when squating in a shallow manner - it is much better to do this, as more muscle is stimulated. However, those who are not particularly flexible find this difficult. Powerlifting dictates that a squat to parralel is an acceptable lift, however, purely from a training perspective, squatting lower than this has added benefits (powerlifters go below parallel in training).

Just don't let the kneees extend over the toes (something which is unavoidable if you try to do traditional squats (not feet placed, far out) on a smith machine. Also Smith machine places extreme shear forces on your joints, and you have to place the bar on a different part of your back - avoid.


Mostly true but some federations make you squat hips below knees such as the USAPL.

Other than that good points.

Cheers,
Scotsman
 
I've heard that PL squats have high carry over value to full Oly squats and that there isnt very much carry over value the other way around.
 
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