Smith Machine vs. squat rack?

red8424

Part 1: In your opinion, which is better for squats- Smith or squat rack? And why?

Part 2: What is the comparison as far as weight goes- (i/e If I can do 3x8 with 60lbs on Smith, how much should I try on the rack? more or less to start?) Don't want to embarass myself with muscle failure on the first set.

I kind of already know what the consensus will be but I'm more interested in the "Why" and the "weight comparison."

GetSoda

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/843167-smith-squat-machine?hl=smith+squat#posts-12658251

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/904698-smith-machine-squats-love-or-hate-em?hl=smith+squat&page=1#posts-13698361

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/699498-for-all-the-smith-machine-haters-out-there?hl=smith+squat&page=1#posts-10255523

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/668520-i-finally-ditched-the-smith?hl=smith+squat#posts-9735298

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1011902-squats-question?hl=smith+squat#posts-15499610

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/995583-smith-machine?hl=smith+squat#posts-15231048

red8424

Sorry, I searched but I guess I didn't search for the right keyword.

brillmer

youre better off just using the squat rack

smith machine forces an awkward position that is not like real squatting, and can lead to many issues

start at the squat rack, even with an empty bar if you have to (thats what i did).. work on proper form.. and increase weights as you go along.

the smith machine really shouldnt be used for anything.. unless you're trying to isolate certain body parts.. and even then, id suggest dumb bells or unilateral machines before i say do the smith

my 2 cents~

Lupercalia

youre better off just using the squat rack

smith machine forces an awkward position that is not like real squatting, and can lead to many issues

start at the squat rack, even with an empty bar if you have to (thats what i did).. work on proper form.. and increase weights as you go along.

the smith machine really shouldnt be used for anything.. unless you're trying to isolate certain body parts.. and even then, id suggest dumb bells or unilateral machines before i say do the smith

my 2 cents~

All of this!

nanosuitninja

Definitely the squat rack, much more free range of motion, causes you to use more stabilization muscles etc. to balance the weight. Which in my opinion helps to build a more balanced physique, not to mention lifting weights, rater than using machines, is probably more beneficial for most sports due to the naturalness of the exercise.

Showcase_Brodown

Use the rack unless you have a really good reason not to. The rack forces more core involvement because you have to actually balance and stabilize the weight.

GetSoda

Sorry, I searched but I guess I didn't search for the right keyword.

No worries mate! Thought you might get better information out of several discussions rather than just a post of "Smith bad. Squat good."

DavPul

youre better off just using the squat rack

smith machine forces an awkward position that is not like real squatting, and can lead to many issues

start at the squat rack, even with an empty bar if you have to (thats what i did).. work on proper form.. and increase weights as you go along.

the smith machine really shouldnt be used for anything.. unless you're trying to isolate certain body parts.. and even then, id suggest dumb bells or unilateral machines before i say do the smith

my 2 cents~

yep.

Joreanasaurous

youre better off just using the squat rack

smith machine forces an awkward position that is not like real squatting, and can lead to many issues

start at the squat rack, even with an empty bar if you have to (thats what i did).. work on proper form.. and increase weights as you go along.

the smith machine really shouldnt be used for anything.. unless you're trying to isolate certain body parts.. and even then, id suggest dumb bells or unilateral machines before i say do the smith

my 2 cents~

I think this is pretty spot on.

Presently I am stuck using a Smith due to an injury I am recovering from, but otherwise give me a squat rack any day.

808haoleboy

The smith machine is good for putting your towel on it when working out, and um, maybe doing pull ups on it if nothing else is available. Also can be used for doing front dips on. Its not good for squats though.

Otherwise, familiarize yourself with the squat rack. Its a glorious and wonderful place to be. You will be challenged, pushed and overcome great feats in this location. Learn good form, start with light weights and GO FOR IT.

Full range of motion too! None of this "half squats."

j6o4

I would only use smith machine for hack squats.

BonaFideUK

Use the squat rack. Start with the bar, then keep adding 10lb plates to the bar.

christylynn622

bump

JeffseekingV

Given the choice? Squat rack. But a DUAL AXIS smith machines are fine.

lili61

Squat rack, for all the important reasons other posters have mentioned. It is important to build the stabilizing muscles along with the larger muscle groups. I only use the smith machine if I can't do any more floor pushups or when I'm doing negative pull ups.

getstrongkaylen

squat rack! free weights are the way to go!

Sam_I_Am77

Smith Machines can have their place in one's training but generally speaking i would squat in a squat rack / power rack. A Smith Machine is a machine and those bars basically stabilize the bar for you. I'm honestly not sure if that bar even weigh's 45lbs or not, could be wrong but I honestly don't know. Aside from that, because the SM's bar is fixed it influences and even restricts your range of motion. Your movement may not be the same as others and you may have to alter your movement to accommodate the restriction placed on you by the SM which is not good and you risk hurting yourself.