freeweight squats vs smith squats

Dilen147 · 20-04-2006, 11:57 AM

I have recently converted to doing smith squats (shock horror) and found that its more effective because you can place your feet much further infront of the bar getting more of a front squat type movement. Its agreed that when doing a freeweight squat you work more muscles especially the core, however if ur trying to build big legs surely you want as much weight acting through those legs and you can really pile it on a smith machine. What do people reckon?

"At the end of the day its not how much you lift but how much you look like you can lift" - Bob Cicherillo

razg · 20-04-2006, 12:11 PM

I agree it's ok for a change.

But the magic behind moves such as the squat/deadlift is the sheer amount of muscles activated - this in turn has more dramatic effects on hormonal output, which really makes a difference.

FierceFrets · 20-04-2006, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by razg

I agree it's ok for a change.

But the magic behind moves such as the squat/deadlift is the sheer amount of muscles activated - this in turn has more dramatic effects on hormonal output, which really makes a difference.

agreed.

I would cut my right bollock off to have proper equipment at my gym, but alas, I must make do with the smith...

Maybe if I wasn't such a tight-arsed student type, I'd pay to go to a 'proper' gym

Oh well...

:twisted: Fierce

big_mal · 14-05-2006, 11:58 AM

my gym has a couple of squat racks, never have to wait to use them because everyone seems to think squatting with the smith machine is a good idea ...!

seriously, it's fne for a change but doesn't compare with the real thing. you could try front squats for a different feel too.

crazycal1 · 14-05-2006, 12:07 PM

i`m sure i read somewhere its bad for the knees too when you put your feet forward.

big_mal · 14-05-2006, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazycal1

i`m sure i read somewhere its bad for the knees too when you put your feet forward.

problem with smith machine squatting is that it forces you to squat in an unnatural pathway - when you push upwards you are forced to push forward with your feet, and this puts stress on the knees. it can also put stress on the lower back.

using the smith also sometimes encourages people to lift too heavy and you sometimes see some terrible form, knees buckling in etc.

crazycal1 · 14-05-2006, 12:46 PM

Quote:

problem with smith machine squatting is that it forces you to squat in an unnatural pathway - when you push upwards you are forced to push forward with your feet, and this puts stress on the knees. it can also put stress on the lower back.

that was what i was trying to say

i`ve heard smith machine anything is bad

big_mal · 14-05-2006, 12:53 PM

i agree, but i know some people like it for bench pressing without a spotter. you see people trying to do some weird stuff on smith machines - military press, upright rows etc.

crazycal1 · 14-05-2006, 12:55 PM

thas why i got myself a cage

splinter · 14-05-2006, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FierceFrets

Quote:

Originally Posted by razg

I agree it's ok for a change.

But the magic behind moves such as the squat/deadlift is the sheer amount of muscles activated - this in turn has more dramatic effects on hormonal output, which really makes a difference.

agreed.

I would cut my right bollock off to have proper equipment at my gym, but alas, I must make do with the smith...

Maybe if I wasn't such a tight-arsed student type, I'd pay to go to a 'proper' gym

Oh well...

:twisted: Fierce

Ahh dude I totally in the same boat as you... im actually trying to make a request for them to get one at my gym... so alas I am going to have to pester every single person to fill in this little form and post it in lol so I can get my squat rack hooray!

20-04-2006, 11:57 AM	#1 (permalink)
Dilen147 Under Construction Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6 Rep Power:	freeweight squats vs smith squats I have recently converted to doing smith squats (shock horror) and found that its more effective because you can place your feet much further infront of the bar getting more of a front squat type movement. Its agreed that when doing a freeweight squat you work more muscles especially the core, however if ur trying to build big legs surely you want as much weight acting through those legs and you can really pile it on a smith machine. What do people reckon? "At the end of the day its not how much you lift but how much you look like you can lift" - Bob Cicherillo

14-05-2006, 12:07 PM	#5 (permalink)
crazycal1 Illuminati Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Nowhere Posts: 2,867 Rep Power:	i`m sure i read somewhere its bad for the knees too when you put your feet forward. ______________________ einsteins mind was the key to all things...to understand more than to know. www.englishmuscle.co.uk www.extremenutrition.co.uk

14-05-2006, 12:55 PM	#9 (permalink)
crazycal1 Illuminati Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Nowhere Posts: 2,867 Rep Power:	thas why i got myself a cage ______________________ einsteins mind was the key to all things...to understand more than to know. www.englishmuscle.co.uk www.extremenutrition.co.uk

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

20-04-2006, 12:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
razg Legend Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Birmingham/Bristol Posts: 886 Rep Power:	I agree it's ok for a change. But the magic behind moves such as the squat/deadlift is the sheer amount of muscles activated - this in turn has more dramatic effects on hormonal output, which really makes a difference.

14-05-2006, 11:58 AM	#4 (permalink)
big_mal Under Construction Join Date: May 2006 Location: London Posts: 18 Rep Power:	my gym has a couple of squat racks, never have to wait to use them because everyone seems to think squatting with the smith machine is a good idea ...! seriously, it's fne for a change but doesn't compare with the real thing. you could try front squats for a different feel too.

14-05-2006, 12:53 PM	#8 (permalink)
big_mal Under Construction Join Date: May 2006 Location: London Posts: 18 Rep Power:	i agree, but i know some people like it for bench pressing without a spotter. you see people trying to do some weird stuff on smith machines - military press, upright rows etc.