Smith machine squats vs. barbell squats

today for a change (some variation) in my leg routine i did smith machine squats instead of barbell squats.

Just a few things i noticed:I could use roughly 40 pounds more, still going parallel on the smith than with barbell squats (most i could do was 320). It seemed a bit easier to balance the weight too. Why could i use a considerably amount of more weight?

also, how effective are smith squats versus barbell squats. i was thinking of implementing them in every third workout- 2 weeks with barbell squats, third with smith machine- is this a good idea?

With the smith machine, you can kick out your feet so they are positioned in front of you slightly, therefore putting more stress on the quads. Since the bar is already on tracks, balancing isn't really much of an issue. For this reason, it becomes less of a whole body movement than traditonal squats, which recruit many muscles working together to balance the bar, without any set range of motion.

I think it's a good idea to throw in the smith machine squats every third workout, it hits the muscles from a different angle and therefore keeps your legs guessing, promoting more gains.

yeah, that was kind of my plan to do it on the smith every third week, and then go to barbell squats for 2 weeks. thanks

I do smith machine squats, hacks, leg extensions, lunges, and leg presses for my legs. (not all in one workout) I don't utilize free weight squats anymore, as once you have a good base, you can still add to your leg size using the other movements.

~SC~

machines = less, fewer, and no injuries..

and as we age, injury and recovery from them take longer..

Ain't that the truth! :)

~SC~

I can do more on freeweight..go figure..

The bar on the Smith Machine is normally 15 lbs. ( I believe I'm correct ) and the fact you're not having to worry about balance as much equates to more weight. Most people can do more weight with the exception of chest6. chest6 maybe it's your position in the rack.

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Originally Posted by SwoleCat

I do smith machine squats, hacks, leg extensions, lunges, and leg presses for my legs. (not all in one workout) I don't utilize free weight squats anymore, as once you have a good base, you can still add to your leg size using the other movements.

~SC~

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so for your famous leg routine you recommend doing it on the smith versus free weight squats? just verifying

Regular squats for me.

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Originally Posted by ward065

so for your famous leg routine you recommend doing it on the smith versus free weight squats? just verifying

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Yeah, that's totally fine. If anything, the pre-exhuastion of the quads/hams makes the smith machine just THAT much more effective.

~SC~

I like the front squat machine and leg press. I Herniated 2 disks with barbell squats. That was a great day...

there was just an article about this in MD. They recommended using the smith for better form. ie, more emphasis on quads, not lower back.

Been doing Smith squats for the last 7 weeks because of lower back pain. Turned out it was the best thing I ever could have done. Have made more improvements in the last 7 weeks than I have all year doing regular squats.

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Originally Posted by Cotton

The bar on the Smith Machine is normally 15 lbs. ( I believe I'm correct ) and the fact you're not having to worry about balance as much equates to more weight. Most people can do more weight with the exception of chest6. chest6 maybe it's your position in the rack.

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I kick my feet out more forward more like some of you said..then again, I dont think I have done smith machine squats in about 2 years.

It seems like when I do Smith squats, I don't even worry about my back and still get a burn. However, I don't get quite as pumped as free squats and don't feel as sore the next few days. My job is hell on my back so I'll be incorporating more smith over the coming years.

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