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Getbig Main Boards => Gossip & Opinions => Topic started by: Cromespyder on October 15, 2008, 06:38:34 AM
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ive never done smith squats, what are the advantages/disadvantaes? im thinking about switchig things up today and doing squats on the smith. thanks
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very uncomfortable, never understood why anyone would squat on the smith.
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very uncomfortable, never understood why anyone would squat on the smith.
i alternate both, the only 'advantage' to 'free squats' would be for you to better balance your own body and get a "feel" for it.
If you squat 500 free, or 500 in smith machine - the end result will be the same, only you dont have to worry about a spotter rubbing his dick on your ass when he spots you.
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Not a big fan. The body should be free to move in its natural planes when you squat. Restricting range of motion, however slight, can lead to muscular imbalances. That leads to joint injuries. And that means rehab, and lots of it.
If you're ill-suited to squat (i.e. long legs, short torso, long arms), then try lunging instead. You can stay upright in the torso more easily, still get a lot of weight, and you get the benefit of unilateral stimulus.
No absolutes in this world. A few smith squats won't put you in traction. My only question is, why would you even bother? What's the benefit?
dude, what is the fucking difference? You have a big ass rack supporting the weights and acts as a "spotter". The movement of the actual exercise is the same "down, up, down, up" rack. I dont get whats complicated? Machines just allow for better isolation of target muscle and added safety.The fixed bar also allows you to shift more focus to your hamstrings and glutes as you move your feet farther out in front of you--something you can't do for the free-weight squat.
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i alternate both, the only 'advantage' to 'free squats' would be for you to better balance your own body and get a "feel" for it.
If you squat 500 free, or 500 in smith machine - the end result will be the same, only you dont have to worry about a spotter rubbing his dick on your ass when he spots you.
ive never used a spotter on squats and i go pretty heavy, 315-365 for reps(well not right now, i just started training again), i dont see the point in a spotter for squats. . .
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Not a big fan. The body should be free to move in its natural planes when you squat. Restricting range of motion, however slight, can lead to muscular imbalances. That leads to joint injuries. And that means rehab, and lots of it.
If you're ill-suited to squat (i.e. long legs, short torso, long arms), then try lunging instead. You can stay upright in the torso more easily, still get a lot of weight, and you get the benefit of unilateral stimulus.
No absolutes in this world. A few smith squats won't put you in traction. My only question is, why would you even bother? What's the benefit?
i just figued maybe smith machine would give me better balance allowing me to focus on quads better.like i sai, just to sqitch things up. i will just stick with regular squats i guess, they've always worked fine for me.
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very uncomfortable, never understood why anyone would squat on the smith.
cmon you don't have a gym membership dave so why quote one of your freinds on this?
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ive never done smith squats, what are the advantages/disadvantaes? im thinking about switchig things up today and doing squats on the smith. thanks
If you've trained for more than 5 years or you have a decent build you wouldnt even have to ask this stupid question..
a] post whore
b] stupid fuck
c] bluto
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Even squatting one plate a side on the Smith destroys my knees. I do front squats in them occasionally but never back squats.
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Even squatting one plate a side on the Smith destroys my knees. I do front squats in them occasionally but never back squats.
While doing squat on the Smith Machine you must place your feet in front of you and not under you.. This is very important to avoid a knee injury or pain.. Like this you also reduce the pressure on your lower back.. It's really a great exercise and works well with me..
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If you've trained for more than 5 years or you have a decent build you wouldnt even have to ask this stupid question..
a] post whore
b] stupid fuck
c] bluto
fuck yourself, fag. i know this is a newbie sounding question. . .my old gym where i trained for 4 years straight didnt have a smith machine so i never used one. my new gym has one so i was thinking of trying it out.
hope this helps.
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Not a big fan. The body should be free to move in its natural planes when you squat. Restricting range of motion, however slight, can lead to muscular imbalances. That leads to joint injuries. And that means rehab, and lots of it.
If you're ill-suited to squat (i.e. long legs, short torso, long arms), then try lunging instead. You can stay upright in the torso more easily, still get a lot of weight, and you get the benefit of unilateral stimulus.
No absolutes in this world. A few smith squats won't put you in traction. My only question is, why would you even bother? What's the benefit?
Another good post!
There is only one benefit, using more weight for the ego.
That is it.
8)
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Another good post!
There is only one benefit, using more weight for the ego.
That is it.
8)
Actually, squatting on a msith doesn't mean you're gonna add more weight. My gym has no squat rack and I have to use the Smith. I hate it. I'm extra careful when I use it. I always warm up trying to find a reasonably good position. Whenever I train at other gyms, I use the squat rack and I actually use more weight.
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While doing squat on the Smith Machine you must place your feet in front of you and not under you.. This is very important to avoid a knee injury or pain.. Like this you also reduce the pressure on your lower back.. It's really a great exercise and works well with me..
Chick disagrees:
All you guys are using the Smith machine wrong...your feet don't go out in front of you..they go back.
Take a regular stance like you would if you just stepped out from the rack...now take a half step BACKWARDS...this will put you in the proper alignment to squat...and no pressure on the knees.
Putting your feet way out in front will assuredly put bigtime stress on the knees and in particular, the patellas...
I think the smith is a horrible machine, and offers no advantages in normal circumstances.
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Chick disagrees:
I think the smith is a horrible machine, and offers no advantages in normal circumstances.
Who is Chick??.. Anyway it works very well with me when I place my feet in front of me.. Sure this doesn't mean it should work with all ppl.. Each one should try everything then choose what works with him as a separate individual..
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fuck yourself, fag. i know this is a newbie sounding question. . .my old gym where i trained for 4 years straight didnt have a smith machine so i never used one. my new gym has one so i was thinking of trying it out.
hope this helps.
wanna be tough guy meltdown you kids are to easy lay off the creatine its making you nuts..
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Smith squats=Perfect form.
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The smith gives you the impression that you have balance. It's a false sense of security. If you have poor balance, then train to improve your balance. Don't hide your weakness by doing smith squats. You're only compounding your problem, and it'll come back to haunt you big time when you least expect it.
Switching it up with a smith squat is fine. Understand what you want out of your training, what your goals are. If the smith helps you get to a goal faster, then do it. Most guys like to smith squat just to change things from the regular squat for a week or so every 8 to 10 weeks. I think that's fine.
The problem I see is that many guys rely on the smith squat because you can really load up the weight. Let's be honest -- a lot of us like the feel and sound of a lot of plates rattling in the gym. It's hard to contain the ego monster and it can get the best of us. If you have a tendency to let ego steer you in the gym (no shame in admitting that to yourself), then be smart -- use the smith in moderation. Get strong in the regular squat -- your hips, back, knees and pelvis will thank you when you hit 35.
thanks for the advice. i ended up doing just regular squats, i think i am built for squats although im 6ft tall,my balance is not off. squat is one of my best exercises, i used to do 315x20 reps every workout,and 365x12. i ccould go up to 405 but i dont like to go that heavy, i rather do higher reps than go that heavy. . .
but i decided recently to do hamstrings a day after doing quads, im just too wiped out to really work out hams as gard as i should after doing quads.
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wanna be tough guy meltdown you kids are to easy lay off the creatine its making you nuts..
how am i a wannabe tough guy, cause i tell your big foreheaded meatstick slobbing ass to fuck off? this is a serious thread and you come in here and insult me, fuck off cunt!
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Smith machine makes you use proper form. Squads should pe preformed in a straigth line so ive heard.
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Smith squats=Perfect form.
your small.
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Actually, squatting on a msith doesn't mean you're gonna add more weight. My gym has no squat rack and I have to use the Smith. I hate it. I'm extra careful when I use it. I always warm up trying to find a reasonably good position. Whenever I train at other gyms, I use the squat rack and I actually use more weight.
poor excuse..you can get hurt just as easily with a smith machine and imho even MORE SO from just using the smith then not before. It's always smart to learn how to dump a squat if necessary.. where free weights you can dump it and jump forward and let it roll off.. on a smith it pretty much smashes your ass into the floor.
Your body has a natural plane on which it follows..and a smith machine isn't on that plane.
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I used the Smith machine when I first started training, but as soon as I swopped over to free squats, I saw major improvement in my legs. I wouldn't go back to the Smith machine now.
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I used the Smith machine when I first started training, but as soon as I swopped over to free squats, I saw major improvement in my legs. I wouldn't go back to the Smith machine now.
then there's that as well..the benefits from using free weights even if the weight is lighter are significantly greater than that of a machine be it smith or not. More connective tissue and body effort in general is recruited putting it simply.. you work harder with less weight. I use myself as an example.. I was able to bench 405 on a smith no problem but when I switched to free weights to start competing because you don't bench on a smith in powerlifting.. my 405 bench was a joke.. just like this guy at the gym that i train at telling me he squats 500 and does it on a smith to parallel..i'd like to see him take that weight out on a squat rack.
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I think Chick is right about the stance, but I think the problem with the smith is the compressing force you put on your spine. You have to push against the bar, so unless you can align yourself perfectly, you are not going to be pushing 100% against the bar in the direction it is supposed to move, but in a slightly off position. If your feet are far in front, you are guaranteed to be pushing against the bar horizontaly as well as vertically. I did them with my feet in front of the bar for a few months and the stress on the knees was pretty bad. Doing them the other way put too much stress on the spine.
I don't do smith or free squats at all anymore, except occasionally front squats.. Unless you have the right build for them, they are just an injury waiting to happen.
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Can somebody please explain to me how the fuck you squat in a Smith by setting your feet BEHIND the bar? Stupidest advice I've ever heard come out of a "pro's" mouth, ever.
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Can somebody please explain to me how the fuck you squat in a Smith by setting your feet BEHIND the bar? Stupidest advice I've ever heard come out of a "pro's" mouth, ever.
i'm thinking maybe something resembling a sissy squat but yeah i'm right there with you ZT
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Can somebody please explain to me how the fuck you squat in a Smith by setting your feet BEHIND the bar? Stupidest advice I've ever heard come out of a "pro's" mouth, ever.
Read his post again and it's pretty obvious that taking a full step out from the bar and a half step back won't put you behind the bar.
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Read his post again and it's pretty obvious that taking a full step out from the bar and a half step back won't put you behind the bar.
"Take a regular stance like you would if you just stepped out from the rack...now take a half step BACKWARDS...this will put you in the proper alignment to squat...and no pressure on the knees."
Nothing about stepping forward and then back. Just about stepping back. Therefore, behind the bar.
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"Take a regular stance like you would if you just stepped out from the rack...now take a half step BACKWARDS...this will put you in the proper alignment to squat...and no pressure on the knees."
Nothing about stepping forward and then back. Just about stepping back. Therefore, behind the bar.
What do you think "step out from the rack" means? Step is a verb, out (forward) is the direction. We know it isn't backwards, because BACKWARDS is clearly mentioned in the next segment.
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What do you think "step out from the rack" means? Step is a verb, out (forward) is the direction. We know it isn't backwards, because BACKWARDS is clearly mentioned in the next segment.
"All you guys are using the Smith machine wrong...your feet don't go out in front of you..they go back."
Face it, Chick is making no fucking sense here.
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The smith machine squat is really uncomfortable, don't see why you would want to do it.
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"All you guys are using the Smith machine wrong...your feet don't go out in front of you..they go back."
Face it, Chick is making no fucking sense here.
I'm pretty sure he is indicating they go back from where all you guys are doing them (out in front of you). He never once used the term "behind you."
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When I did the squat on the Smith for the first time I - without thinking - placed my feet under my body as this seemed to me to be the natural thing.. And yes I felt some pain and unease in my knees.. Then one day I noticed the diagram that was stuck on the machine and it was showing in the photos for the squat the feet in front of the man.. I tried it and it worked very well without any pressure on my knees.. Again I am saying that what works for some one is not necessary good for the other.. Even if the advice comes from a prof. champion you have to see first if it's workable with you or not before taking it for granted..
If you don't have any problems with both the normal squat and the Smith squat I believe it's better to use both of them in an alternative way.. You can do the one you like more for 3 or 4 successive legs workouts then break your routine by doing the one you like less for 1 workout just to avoid being bored.. Being bored while training leads you to lesser gains!!..
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poor excuse..you can get hurt just as easily with a smith machine and imho even MORE SO from just using the smith then not before. It's always smart to learn how to dump a squat if necessary.. where free weights you can dump it and jump forward and let it roll off.. on a smith it pretty much smashes your ass into the floor.
Your body has a natural plane on which it follows..and a smith machine isn't on that plane.
Actually, you read my post again, you'll see that I'm saying the exact same thing a you.
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I haven't been a fan of Smith machine squats. However, have done some work ln it the past few months, though I still rely on regylar squats as my primary. A few observations.. 1. For ME, I can only go ATG on the the smith, because in order for me to get that low, I have discovered I have to put my feet a good foot in front of me. Ar 6 2 +, try as I might, I really can only hut parallel with the free squat, even with just the bar. 2. I can use more weight on regular squats 550 for 9 today, versus maybe 405 on smith. 3. I get a better pump on Smith , at least in the quads, but hit the overall leg more with the free weight. Hope these observations can help someone. Ps Happy squatting, still the best overall exercise!
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Smith machine.
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for me....
Regular squats = Olympic Barbell
Front squats = Smith Machine
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You think he belongs in the hall of fame? I don't. Flame away. I found his game too one-sided. As much as I respect a perennial gold glover, I have to take exception. The writers wouldn't vote in Dave Kingman because his game was one-sided. So why vote in the wizard? I just don't get it. He was abysmal at the plate.
Still, there was that glove, and it was magic.
Whitey Herzog once said that if you're a manager and looking for a shortstop that can hit, you're in trouble. Shortstops aren't held to the same offensive standards as a first baseman or an outfielder.
That said, Ozzie's offensive game became better, he even hit over .300 during the 1987 season. Also, he stole a lot of bases, scored runs, and was a good contact/#2 hitter who could move runners over.
All around catalyst to those teams that were so successful in the 80s.
Definitely HOF material.
Actually, I am a little surprised anyone even knew who that was. You must be over 30 as well.
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for me the answer is neither
i like hacks, presses, uni presses, extensions, eccentric uni extensions, lying curls, seated curls, stiff leg deads
never do squats though they just dont feel comfortable
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(http://media1.break.com/dnet/media/2007/12/46dec18-hippo-penis.jpg)
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.......function vs non-function thats the difference in a nutshell.
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.......function vs non-function thats the difference in a nutshell.
agreed, smith is very restrictive.
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Chick disagrees:
I think the smith is a horrible machine, and offers no advantages in normal circumstances.
But Dorian agrees :) Here he does it with his feet in front of him..
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But Dorian agrees :)
fucck thats big
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smith machine squats suck.
close thread.
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I think smith machine is OK with light weight and very controlled movement.
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I think smith machine is OK with light weight and very controlled movement.
That's plain useless for squats.
If you want slow, controlled movements, there are several things that are better than squats in a smith machine.
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ive never done smith squats, what are the advantages/disadvantaes? im thinking about switchig things up today and doing squats on the smith. thanks
Stick to free weight.
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That's plain useless for squats.
If you want slow, controlled movements, there are several things that are better than squats in a smith machine.
I agree, it's not a substitute for heavy squats.
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Save the Smith machine for your private parts. 8)
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I agree, it's not a substitute for heavy squats.
yes there is : squats with medium / light weight focusing on the muscle and burning the shit out of them ...it's body building not body destroying
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yes there is : squats with medium / light weight focusing on the muscle and burning the shit out of them ...it's body building not body destroying
Yup, i agree.
But imo this should also be done with free squats, not with smith machine squats.
another good way to burn quads down is wall squats while holding weight plates.
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yes there is : squats with medium / light weight focusing on the muscle and burning the shit out of them ...it's body building not body destroying
I think you can destroy your body with just about every exercise.
But I would also prefer light (free) weight squats to smith machine.
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Another good post!
There is only one benefit, using more weight for the ego.
That is it.
8)
Tell that to Mr O Jay Cutler, or Mr Dorian Yates
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Smiths are good on those odd days when you feel a little acky or tired and you want to go lighter and just rep out.
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My gym just got a Max Rack made by Star Trac,thing is great for squats.
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Anyone who free Squats over the age of 35 and not for a living is an asshole plain and simple...A gym warrior, a douche bag, a look what I bench cum guzzler...Or a novice gym fool just starting out...Squatting is the best exercise for legs/yet the most dangerous for older people also...
Advice...
find out what the 2nd best exercise is and do that...There is no one on the planet who likes a guy who takes more then 45 minutes to do just 5 fucking sets of squats(unless of course it is for some sort of comp)...If people like this worked for a business, they would be fired almost immediately...
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"burn the quads up" lmao. ::)
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btw i read a dave draper thread lasy year and he said he squated 405 for 4 deep deep reps and he is well over 60. i know most wont be doing that but, it can be done.
from my own experience barbell squats are the better exersize. the first 3 years i trained i used standard bar squats and got good results. I do not remember why for the next 3-4 years i stuck with smiths and leg presses or hacks and leg extensions. i did get good results from these two exersizes but now i realize the lack of free squating or lunging held back the development of my hams.
so for the last 5+ years i have relied again on the basics barbell squats, dumbell lunges, dumbell squats and stiff leg deads. my legs have more balance and even size.
the smith i wouldnt say is a terrible machine but not as good as the regular squat. the smith is good for front squats alot of people like myself have a hard time holding the wieght properly once it gets heavier.
also i think lunges can be done very effectively on the smith.
but my thoughts are if you are only doing a few movments for quads id leave out the machines.
squats and walking dumbell lunges or squats and dumbell squats is my mainstay routines.
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smith is better for your back.
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well i like to finish off my quads with some high rep smith front squats sometimes... i get a good connection with them so i do them who cares... each to his own..
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ive never done smith squats, what are the advantages/disadvantaes? im thinking about switchig things up today and doing squats on the smith. thanks
Hedgehog, where is the best gyms in europe? I've got a trip planned for December.
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Hedgehog, where is the best gyms in europe? I've got a trip planned for December.
lol some stupid americans.. talks as if Europe is one country.
Hedgehog lives in the same country as me if i remember right... Sweden..
also,, if you go to Europe you would rather visit some warm country like Spain, Greece or Italy rather than some cold ass nordic Country...unless you want to skee..
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lol some stupid americans.. talks as if Europe is one country.
Hedgehog lives in the same country as me if i remember right... Sweden..
also,, if you go to Europe you would rather visit some warm country like Spain, Greece or Italy rather than some cold ass nordic Country...unless you want to skee..
Is it "skee" over there? We say "ski" here ;D