Smith machine squats

[Chiang Mai Dave]

Hi people
I live in Chiang Mai,Thailand and the gyms are quite limited here,i train in a hotel gym,plenty of free weights but no squat rack,
and a very old horizontal leg press,which i can stack easy..only choice i have is smith machine squats,not ideal but if i put the work in
must be better than the draconian leg press machine.
Any opinions?
Thanx in advance.

[MickeyKnox]

Nothing wrong with a Smith Machine for squats bro! I use it all the time.

In fact, many of us back injury guys will use the Smith for squats. It allows us to continue with squats, but safely without sacrificing proper form.

[Chiang Mai Dave]

Nothing wrong with a Smith Machine for squats bro! I use it all the time.

In fact, many of us back injury guys will use the Smith for squats. It allows us to continue with squats, but safely without sacrificing proper form.

Cheers matey,leg day today so going to make the most of it,they need to get the air con upgraded too,hits bloody 36c in there at noon!!!

[MickeyKnox]

Cheers matey,leg day today so going to make the most of it,they need to get the air con upgraded too,hits bloody 36c in there at noon!!!

Stop complaining, you live in Thailand for gawds sakes..lol Youre lucky, I would love to live there!

[Bulkn]

You could also try dumbell squats

[CMB]

Hi people
I live in Chiang Mai,Thailand and the gyms are quite limited here,i train in a hotel gym,plenty of free weights but no squat rack,
and a very old horizontal leg press,which i can stack easy..only choice i have is smith machine squats,not ideal but if i put the work in
must be better than the draconian leg press machine.
Any opinions?
Thanx in advance.

Use the smith machine, it is your best option. The form with the smith machine is critical with squats. If the smith machine is completely vertical (most are), than put your feet 6 inches in front of where the bar comes down.

[CMB]

Nothing wrong with a Smith Machine for squats bro! I use it all the time.

In fact, many of us back injury guys will use the Smith for squats. It allows us to continue with squats, but safely without sacrificing proper form.

A buddy of mine just fuvked his back up from doing smith machine squats, FORM IS CRITICAL

[MickeyKnox]

A buddy of mine just fuvked his back up from doing smith machine squats, FORM IS CRITICAL

Sorry to hear about your friend.

But it sounds like he would have f'd his back regardless - especially if his form was horrible. Form is critical for all exercises, not just squats with the Smith Machine.

[wesh]

I agree mickey

[harley121]

If the smith machine isn't exactly vertical, it tips slightly away from you from your feet to your head, do you put your feet even further in front of you? I tried a few once and went back to barbell, pre-fatigued w/ hacks and presses. I'd like to do smith mach. squats, just didn't feel "right" or comfortable. Im sure its getting the right form down. Any input?