no squat bar... smith or dumbbells?

moment_to_arise

Poll.... if a squat bar is not available, would squatting on a smith machine or with dumbbells be the next best thing?

obsidianwings

I would go smith, but I would really look at waiting until a bar is available

AdrianBry

for bodybuilding purposes or to look better naked it really does not matter but I'd opt for the smith machine squats UNLESS you're going to do bulgarian squats with dumbbells

arghbowl

I'd go smith or kettlebells before dumbbells

moment_to_arise

The only gym in my area doesn't have a squat bar and never will so have to settle until I can maybe one day get a home gym. Guess ill have to settle for the smith. Thanks

obsidianwings

The only gym in my area doesn't have a squat bar and never will

But yeah go smith for back squats, could supplement with dumbell bulgarian split squats or goblet squats. Do they have a hack squat machine?

moment_to_arise

The only gym in my area doesn't have a squat bar and never will

But yeah go smith for back squats, could supplement with dumbell bulgarian split squats or goblet squats. Do they have a hack squat machine?

Nope only a leg press... its a planet fitness. I'm limited.

obsidianwings

Oh yeah i've heard of planet fitness. I feel your pain, when I was first starting out setting up my home gym I had to squat the bar off the back of a couple of dining chairs haha. I take it from the supports on the bench press now

bennysammysofie

Do one leg squats...google "mike Boyle, strength coach"

moment_to_arise

Like I said I'm hopefully going to be getting a power rack soon, possibly with my tax return so I can just work out at home and not have to worry about paying a gym... just gotta hold out until then

CyberEd312

Smith machine

Rayman79

I would favour split squats personally. This is a challenging exercise and with the loading on one leg you will be able to work with dumbbells for some time. Other variations like pistol squats are also really challenging. The benefit to these is they are freeweight exercises and will work your stabilisers and improve your balance and overall 'functional strength' more than squatting in the Smith will. Goblet squats are another option, depending on your current level of strength, these exercises might be enough to keep you challenged for quite a while.

I personally hate squatting on the smith machine with a fixed plane of motion, but I know others feel a lot more comfortable with it.

pcastagner

Anything but the smith "squats".

Sandigesha

Smith squats are weird as hell, if you have leg press - it would be better. I think even heavy lunges would be more useful.

DopeItUp

Anything but the smith "squats".

This. Use the DBs.

gmallan

I would personally do a combination of different squat variations. Back squats with the Smith, goblet , pistol, skater, bulgarian split etc.

AlliecoreXX

Using a smith rack for squats is like using training wheels.

juliewatkin

Using a smith rack for squats is like using training wheels.

With your mom holding the bike.

DB over smith every time. There are a ton of variations.

Rayman79

Using a smith rack for squats is like using training wheels.

I hope you were referring to this thought provoking piece on the value of the smith machine. :bigsmile:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHBLxCPmnVc
(Language NSFW)

The suggested alternate uses for the machine is the really useful part.

pavrg

I would do leg press and forego squats altogether. The smith machine has a terrible ROM and you won't be able to lift dumbbells to make squats with them worthwhile.