New Rules of Lifting For Women (NROL4W)

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Squat Question

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klp1017
klp1017 Posts: 95 Member
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I'm new to weight training and as I've been reading through the message boards, I've found there is a general dislike towards the Smith Machine, however I'm really nervous to use the rack. I can squat with two 20lb dumbbells/the Smith Machine with good form, so I don't think the weight of the bar will be a problem, it's just that I'm not really used to the feeling of squatting with a barbell yet. Is transitioning from the Smith Machine to the rack a lot more difficult? Should I just go for the rack or wait until I'm more comfortable with the barbell?

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  • jamifishie
    jamifishie Posts: 26 Member
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    Squatting with the Smith machine or dumbbells won't prepare you for lifting with the barbell. The Smith machine forces you into an unnatural range of motion that you can't replicate with free weights, and dumbbells force you to handle the weight differently. I'd say start with lighter barbells (maybe with fixed weights) if you're nervous to go full scale Olympic barbell right away, but you should be moving in that direction.

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