A question about weighted squats

k8blujay2

Today I'm going to get my booty back into the gym and lift some weights. But I have a question about weighted squats.

Is it better to use dumbbells or a smith machine, in lieu of the squat rack?

Right now I just don't have access to a squat rack. The gym I go to does not have have one. Changing gyms is not an option right now as the one I go to is affordable and convenient.

rainunrefined

All I have are dumbbells and they work fine for me. I think as long as you have good form they are a great option. JMO

Galatea_Stone

I'd try goblet squats with a dumbbell. I think you will prefer the form of those as it's closer to a bodyweight squat. The Smith just feels really awkward and keeps the back in the wrong position.

martyqueen52

Smith machine.

k8blujay2

I was thinking dumbbells would be the better option, as I'm nowhere near maxing those out yet and perhaps by then I will have access to a squat rack... I don't remember the smith feeling so awkward when I was younger... but that may be because I had a former Gold's Gym Personal Trainer as a teacher...

Jacwhite22

Smith machine.

No.

jackpotclown

Smith machine.

No.

This \m/

martyqueen52

Smith machine.

No.

And why? You honestly think dumbbells are superior?

Or are you one of the "elitist" who can hardly lift anything, yet have a detrimental hate for smith machines.

_crafty_

I'd try goblet squats with a dumbbell. I think you will prefer the form of those as it's closer to a bodyweight squat. The Smith just feels really awkward and keeps the back in the wrong position.

this

k8blujay2

I'd try goblet squats with a dumbbell. I think you will prefer the form of those as it's closer to a bodyweight squat. The Smith just feels really awkward and keeps the back in the wrong position.

That seems easy enough. I say that now...

ItsCasey

Smith machine.

No.

And why? You honestly think dumbbells are superior?

To a Smith machine? Absolutely.

TwinkieDong

do they have a hack squat? I like hack squats as they are not as hard on the knees when you are lifting heavy.

parkscs

Personally I'd use dumb bells and make sure you're also doing other exercises like leg presses, leg extensions, etc. I tend to feel a lot of stress in my knees whenever I use the smith machine for squats regardless of my foot position, but if you can do it comfortably it can be a good option.

LianaG1115

I use kettle bells.

ItsCasey

Or are you one of the "elitist" who can hardly lift anything, yet have a detrimental hate for smith machines.

Well, I can only squat nearly twice my body weight right now, but in a few years, I might be lifting something really impressive.

Jacwhite22

Smith machine.

No.

And why? You honestly think dumbbells are superior?

Or are you one of the "elitist" who can hardly lift anything, yet have a detrimental hate for smith machines.

DYEL? Smith machines but your body in the wrong position in a squat. It puts added strain on your knees and back and limits the range of motion.

http://stronglifts.com/smith-machine-squats-power-rack-free-weights/

SezxyStef

Smith machine.

No.

And why? You honestly think dumbbells are superior?

To a Smith machine? Absolutely.

x2...smith machines really???? yes they are superior in all ways to a smith machine.

SezxyStef

Or are you one of the "elitist" who can hardly lift anything, yet have a detrimental hate for smith machines.

Well, I can only squat nearly twice my body weight right now, but in a few years, I might be lifting something really impressive.

MB_Positif

Dumbbells.

Myhaloslipped

I suppose it depends on how much weight you are using. I personally had to stop using dumbbells once I passed the 100 pound mark. It just became too difficult for me to hold them.

usmcmp

Smith machine.

No.

And why? You honestly think dumbbells are superior?

Or are you one of the "elitist" who can hardly lift anything, yet have a detrimental hate for smith machines.

I'm not an elitist. Smith machine provides an unnatural movement pattern and removes the stabilization element from the squat. It can force your body into an unnatural squat position and increases torque on lower back and knees.

Goblet squats, suit case squats, zercher squats (Don't need a rack, just a barbell). You can add difficulty to dumbbells by doing split squats or Bulgarian split squats.

martyqueen52

Smith machine.

No.

And why? You honestly think dumbbells are superior?

Or are you one of the "elitist" who can hardly lift anything, yet have a detrimental hate for smith machines.

DYEL? Smith machines but your body in the wrong position in a squat. It puts added strain on your knees and back and limits the range of motion.

http://stronglifts.com/smith-machine-squats-power-rack-free-weights/

DYEL? Yep... maxing out on 480 squatting on free.

That is Stronglifts personal opinion, not pure factual or backed info by any means. But, I also prefer free.... that being said, if I had to pick between smith or dumbbells I'd pick smith, my own personal preference.

_crafty_

Smith machine.

No.

And why? You honestly think dumbbells are superior?

Or are you one of the "elitist" who can hardly lift anything, yet have a detrimental hate for smith machines.

I'm not an elitist. Smith machine provides an unnatural movement pattern and removes the stabilization element from the squat. It can force your body into an unnatural squat position and increases torque on lower back and knees.

Goblet squats, suit case squats, zercher squats (Don't need a rack, just a barbell). You can add difficulty to dumbbells by doing split squats or Bulgarian split squats.

:flowerforyou:

DeadliftAddict

Go with the goblet squat, split squat, or bulgarian squat as some may have already said. The smith machine has it's place in a routine. Squats IMO is not one of them. Google any of these.

azrielda

If there are absolutely no squat stands/powercages, dumbbells are better as smith machines actually puts your back into a bad position, setting you up for a greater risk of injury later on. I recommend split squats as you only need dumbels and a raised surface, plus they are amazing for your glutes ????.

martyqueen52

Or are you one of the "elitist" who can hardly lift anything, yet have a detrimental hate for smith machines.

Well, I can only squat nearly twice my body weight right now, but in a few years, I might be lifting something really impressive.

That's .... cool, I guess. But that wasn't directed towards you..... 0.o?

_GingerSnap_

Or are you one of the "elitist" who can hardly lift anything, yet have a detrimental hate for smith machines.

Well, I can only squat nearly twice my body weight right now, but in a few years, I might be lifting something really impressive.

*Long distance high five* You win.

LolBroScience

Smith machine.

No.

And why? You honestly think dumbbells are superior?

Or are you one of the "elitist" who can hardly lift anything, yet have a detrimental hate for smith machines.

DYEL? Smith machines but your body in the wrong position in a squat. It puts added strain on your knees and back and limits the range of motion.

http://stronglifts.com/smith-machine-squats-power-rack-free-weights/

DYEL? Yep... maxing out on 480 squatting on free.

That is Stronglifts personal opinion, not pure factual or backed info by any means. But, I also prefer free.... that being said, if I had to pick between smith or dumbbells I'd pick smith, my own personal preference.

So what you're saying is it is your personal opinion and also not backed by factual info. Makes sense.

Also OP, Dumbbell would be far superior when compared to a smith machine.

Derpes

I was stuck in the same predicament for a while.

Regardless of what you choose, practice good form. Research it and know it.

Good luck and hopefully you will have access to a rack soon enough.

djprice_69

Honestly, if you have lifted or done squats in a long time I would only use your body weight to get started. Do body weight squats for the first week or two just to make sure you've got good form, you're able to go as low as you want to go, and that your ankles/knees/hips are all pain-free while squatting. Much better to find this out with your own body weight before adding additional weight to your squats. A similar exercise that I highly recommend without using additional weight are simple lunges. I promise you, if you've not done these for some time, your own body weight will be sufficient. A combination of body weight squats and lunges will keep you plenty sore for the first few weeks before you need to use any weight.

Lastly, as others have said, steer clear of the smith machine. Limiting your range of motion really does put unnecessary stress on certain joins, the knees in particular.

erickirb

I would say goblet squats, with either a dumbbell or kettle bell. It is much easier to get proper form on this type of squat rather than smith machine or holding one dumbbell in each hand.