Smith Machine Squatting v.s Regular Squatting

[puffydisc]

I have been doing SS for the past 2 months and have always used the smith machine for my squatting. Would it be more beneficial to move to the regular squatting and work my weight back up?(im at 165lbs now with smith machine) I have heard that the smith machine wont work as many muscles then regular squatting would and could cause injuries do to the fixed path of the bar.

[Auburn]

If you haven't been using the low-bar barbell back squat, you haven't been doing SS.

[BigTallOx]

have always used the smith machine for my squatting.

Squatting in the smith machine is not squatting. Sorry, some people don't like to hear this, but it's not, period.

Would it be more beneficial to move to the regular squatting and work my weight back up?

Ahhh, YEAH, that's a no brainer.

I have heard that the smith machine wont work as many muscles then regular squatting would and could cause injuries do to the fixed path of the bar.

So why are use using it? Are you scared to do a real squat?

[puffydisc]

well i just read this like 30 min ago that doing the smith machine may cause injuries so......

[benno]

well i just read this like 30 min ago that doing the smith machine may cause injuries so......

Do proper squats! No excuses.

Good luck!

[bass slayer]

I use to do smith machine squats because I was scared of regular squats but my friend put me on the regular squats and I have seen better gains. Smith machines are garbage.

[JRider23]

also as a side note, the smith machine is a terrible way to determine how much you can actually squat. You won't be able to squat with proper form with 165 pounds on the bar. The bar also adds 45 pounds, so make sure you start with and work up to a much lighter weight.

[depotman]

I'm a curious how much a Smith machine bar weighs. A regular squat bar weighs 45 lbs, and a smith bar weighs 35 lbs?

[BigTallOx]

I'm a curious how much a Smith machine bar weighs. A regular squat bar weighs 45 lbs, and a smith bar weighs 35 lbs?

No, the smith machine bar weighs like zero because they're counter weighted. At least the ones I've seen at the fitness center where I train sometimes.

And actually the squat bar at the powerlifting gym where I squat weighs 55 pounds, not 45. Oh wait, I guess there's actually a smith machine there too, I try not to look at it so it doesn't spoil the atmosphere or the mindset of my training session.

[kmagnuss]

Some smith bars weigh nothing, some more. The one at my gym weighs 48 lbs. ( I brought in a scale to settle an arguement)

[brihead301]

There should be a law against using the smith machine for anything else other then as a towel rack.

[nockits]

I use to do smith machine squats because I was scared of regular squats but my friend put me on the regular squats and I have seen better gains. Smith machines are garbage.

Last summer I used to use it because this routine I found in a magazine told me to do so...

The smith I used had a bar that weighed... very light, i think like 10lbs, if anything at all.

[jbrin0tk]

In my opinion, free squatting (using an unfixed barbell) is much better than squatting in a smith machine. I've only used a smith machine once, and it is a totally different thing, haha. Squatting with a barbell will develop many more muscles and make you stronger in my opinion. I hope this helps, bud.

[rbtrout]

Puffydisc - the guys are right about the smith machine. The smith machine forces you to accommodate it's plane of movement, not what's natural. It's hard on the knees and can be on the lower back.

[Goodwinm]

Squatting with a Smith Machine is the best way for muscle hypertrophy.

Just like standing on a cat's neck is good for their health.

[sCaRz*Of*PaiN]

Like Built used to say, Smith Machines make great towel racks.