Barbell Squat vs Smith Machine Squat

BelieveNurSELFIE
BelieveNurSELFIE Posts: 17 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
So I meet once a week with my trainer, and about a week ago we worked on lower body starting out with squats with barbell and weights. Now it's been a few years since I've done squats. She brought me to this machine which looked like the bar rack but different. Now when she demonstrated the proper form I was like I got this. Once my turn she had me bring my feet forward and lean back on the bar, I was nervous about this because it didn't seem like the right way I use to squat in high school. She said this way I would have less stress on my knees. So what exactly do you guys think about using this smith machine for my squats? It's different and was a bit of a learning curb for me. After researching online many don't suggest using this machine. However after getting a little use to it I feel less pressure on my knees. And yes I do have correct form when squating and don't over extend my knees. Any suggestions?

Replies

  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    The smith machine can actually cause more stress on lower back and hips. If you are keeping your knees from going past your toes on barbell squats you are causing more torque on your joints. I never have and never will do a squat on the smith machine. It's an unnatural movement pattern.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    I've squatted on a Smith before. You can make it work....somewhat, if you have to. But it sounds like you have access to barbells so there's ZERO reason to "learn" to squat on a Smith. Tell your trainer this.
  • Sutnak
    Sutnak Posts: 227 Member
    DavPul wrote: »
    I've squatted on a Smith before. You can make it work....somewhat, if you have to. But it sounds like you have access to barbells so there's ZERO reason to "learn" to squat on a Smith. Tell your trainer this.

    I agree with this. Also, you're paying money to someone that should already know this. Mull over that for a while.
  • WeaponXI
    WeaponXI Posts: 63 Member
    Since the bar on a smith machine has a fixed path, it doesn't work with all body types. For some it may do more harm than good.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    TheReloader wrote: »
    DavPul wrote: »
    I've squatted on a Smith before. You can make it work....somewhat, if you have to. But it sounds like you have access to barbells so there's ZERO reason to "learn" to squat on a Smith. Tell your trainer this.

    I agree with this. Also, you're paying money to someone that should already know this. Mull over that for a while.

    It is a damn good question, why would you pay money to someone who actually doesn't know that about the smith...
  • Unknown
    Unknown
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