A question about weighted squats

13

Replies

  • Jacwhite22
    Jacwhite22 Posts: 7,010 Member
    Actually I do some form of squats every day but not the same form... I.e. one day I will do dumbells on my shoulders. The next I will stand on two steps (opening between them) and hold a heavy weight between my legs and squat until I get it below the steps into the hole... then goblet squats one day. Then smith one day.

    Why not use everything? Each one is just a little different enough and leg positioning can work different muscles.



    hold a heavy weight between your legs and squat till you get it into the hole? Yeah...I like that one too.
  • ItsCasey
    ItsCasey Posts: 4,021 Member
    Why not use everything?

    Because I want to be as strong as genetically possible, not be good at various artistic forms of squatting.
  • k8blujay2
    k8blujay2 Posts: 4,941 Member
    I'm guessing your gym has a hack squat machine? Usually by the leg press.

    I like hack squats for the safety they provide when I workout with no spot. If you take them really low, it's still a great squat. Sure, you don't get the core stabilizing challenge that comes with the barbell, but it's a good building block.

    I don't think my gym has that. I don't know if I have ever seen one to know though.
  • giggitygoo
    giggitygoo Posts: 1,978 Member
    I'm guessing your gym has a hack squat machine? Usually by the leg press.

    I like hack squats for the safety they provide when I workout with no spot. If you take them really low, it's still a great squat. Sure, you don't get the core stabilizing challenge that comes with the barbell, but it's a good building block.

    I don't think my gym has that. I don't know if I have ever seen one to know though.

    It looks like this :

    power-strength-hack-squat-18.jpg
  • odusgolp
    odusgolp Posts: 10,477 Member
    Actually I do some form of squats every day but not the same form... I.e. one day I will do dumbells on my shoulders. The next I will stand on two steps (opening between them) and hold a heavy weight between my legs and squat until I get it below the steps into the hole... then goblet squats one day. Then smith one day.

    I kinda can't stop laughing at the visual.
  • ironanimal
    ironanimal Posts: 5,922 Member
    Honestly, if I had a choice of the two, I would forego squatting entirely.

    There are other options though. In the first gym, which I outgrew, I actually used a bench that had a high rack and so basically did box squats. You can also just squat with what you can Clean. Failing those two options, a combination of leg press/hack squat/bulgarian split squat.
  • Hendrix7
    Hendrix7 Posts: 1,903 Member
    bulgarian split squat.q

    this is the best option of anything mentioned so far, goblets squats are great but you will get limited very quickly buy how much weight you can actually hold in that position...not by how strong your legs are.

    image007.png

    one of the most underrated movements out there.
  • DWBalboa
    DWBalboa Posts: 37,259 Member
    By in lieu of are you saying you just don’t want to use the squat rack or that there isn’t one at your gym? Either way, I like both (I prefer free) but if you want the free movement that a smith machine fails to give you Goblet squats are great. It’s again a preference but I prefer using kettle bells if they are available.
  • k8blujay2
    k8blujay2 Posts: 4,941 Member
    Honestly, if I had a choice of the two, I would forego squatting entirely.

    There are other options though. In the first gym, which I outgrew, I actually used a bench that had a high rack and so basically did box squats. You can also just squat with what you can Clean. Failing those two options, a combination of leg press/hack squat/bulgarian split squat.

    What do you mean "what I can clean"? I'm asking sincerely as I have seen this term a few times....
  • k8blujay2
    k8blujay2 Posts: 4,941 Member
    By in lieu of are you saying you just don’t want to use the squat rack or that there isn’t one at your gym? Either way, I like both (I prefer free) but if you want the free movement that a smith machine fails to give you Goblet squats are great. It’s again a preference but I prefer using kettle bells if they are available.

    There is not one at my gym.
  • Fitfully_me
    Fitfully_me Posts: 647 Member
    By in lieu of are you saying you just don’t want to use the squat rack or that there isn’t one at your gym? Either way, I like both (I prefer free) but if you want the free movement that a smith machine fails to give you Goblet squats are great. It’s again a preference but I prefer using kettle bells if they are available.

    There is not one at my gym.

    It sounds like you have already outgrown your gym as it does not have the equipment to do what you would like to do.

    Are you in a contract? How long before you are able to switch? Perhaps you will be able to make decent progress with dumb bell squats in the meantime.

    For me, neither dumb bell squats or Smith machine squats are really comparable to squatting with the bar on my back.
  • SarahBeth0625
    SarahBeth0625 Posts: 685 Member
    I use a couple 30 pound dumbbells... works for me!
  • k8blujay2
    k8blujay2 Posts: 4,941 Member
    By in lieu of are you saying you just don’t want to use the squat rack or that there isn’t one at your gym? Either way, I like both (I prefer free) but if you want the free movement that a smith machine fails to give you Goblet squats are great. It’s again a preference but I prefer using kettle bells if they are available.

    There is not one at my gym.

    It sounds like you have already outgrown your gym as it does not have the equipment to do what you would like to do.

    Are you in a contract? How long before you are able to switch? Perhaps you will be able to make decent progress with dumb bell squats in the meantime.

    For me, neither dumb bell squats or Smith machine squats are really comparable to squatting with the bar on my back.

    Nope. No contract. As long as it takes me to either get the registration fee to another gym... Which will probaby be next month.
  • ironanimal
    ironanimal Posts: 5,922 Member
    Honestly, if I had a choice of the two, I would forego squatting entirely.

    There are other options though. In the first gym, which I outgrew, I actually used a bench that had a high rack and so basically did box squats. You can also just squat with what you can Clean. Failing those two options, a combination of leg press/hack squat/bulgarian split squat.

    What do you mean "what I can clean"? I'm asking sincerely as I have seen this term a few times....
    Clean is a lift - a movement from Olympic lifting that attempts to transfer the weight from the floor to chest height. There's a standard clean, which involves dropping more under the bar (more advanced) and the power clean, where you catch the bar higher but it is less technical

    Clean : http://youtu.be/60D_lTybHQk
    Power Clean : http://youtu.be/KjGvwQl8tis
  • aylajane
    aylajane Posts: 979 Member
    Actually I do some form of squats every day but not the same form... I.e. one day I will do dumbells on my shoulders. The next I will stand on two steps (opening between them) and hold a heavy weight between my legs and squat until I get it below the steps into the hole... then goblet squats one day. Then smith one day.

    I kinda can't stop laughing at the visual.

    Wow... I didnt think about my wording before I submitted this one!! LOL - its a normal squat while holding a dumbell vertically between your legs hanging down. If you squat to parallel, the dumbell hits the ground eventually depending on what weight/size you are using for the dumbell. So if you stand with one leg on a step and your other leg on a different step, so there is a few inches between them, you can squat below parallel while holding the dumbell.

    I couldnt find a pic... but now enjoying picturing what it must have sounded like the first time!!!
  • _crafty_
    _crafty_ Posts: 1,682 Member
    bulgarian split squat.q

    this is the best option of anything mentioned so far, goblets squats are great but you will get limited very quickly buy how much weight you can actually hold in that position...not by how strong your legs are.

    image007.png

    one of the most underrated movements out there.
    [/quote

    I love/hate these. :laugh:
  • k8blujay2
    k8blujay2 Posts: 4,941 Member
    Honestly, if I had a choice of the two, I would forego squatting entirely.

    There are other options though. In the first gym, which I outgrew, I actually used a bench that had a high rack and so basically did box squats. You can also just squat with what you can Clean. Failing those two options, a combination of leg press/hack squat/bulgarian split squat.

    What do you mean "what I can clean"? I'm asking sincerely as I have seen this term a few times....
    Clean is a lift - a movement from Olympic lifting that attempts to transfer the weight from the floor to chest height. There's a standard clean, which involves dropping more under the bar (more advanced) and the power clean, where you catch the bar higher but it is less technical

    Clean : http://youtu.be/60D_lTybHQk
    Power Clean : http://youtu.be/KjGvwQl8tis

    Thanks.
  • aylajane
    aylajane Posts: 979 Member
    Why not use everything?

    Because I want to be as strong as genetically possible, not be good at various artistic forms of squatting.

    I simply meant you dont have to pick one type... you can try out a few or mix it up a bit. Each works different muscles, some use more core than others or get some arms in etc. Yes traditional barbell squats are the king, but I like variety and I like working accessory muscles to help with functionality.

    That being said, smith is my least favorite - leaves bruises on my shoulders and doesnt seem to work anything but legs...
  • 47Jacqueline
    47Jacqueline Posts: 6,993 Member
    We use flat weights for weighted squats in Body Pump.
  • chemkid11
    chemkid11 Posts: 1
    There are some many exercises for your butt that do not require weights. Yes there are high repetition but you burn calories and lift that butt up. Body weight first, its faster and there is no need for spotters.

    http://www.prevention.com/fitness/fitness-tips/5-moves-seriously-lift-your-butt?s=1

    http://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/trainers-reveal-best-butt-exercises-all-time

    (most do not require weights of other equipment).
  • kdiamond
    kdiamond Posts: 3,329 Member
    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.

    If you don't have access to a squat rack (best) then I second goblet squats with a dumbbell.
  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
    Honestly, if I had a choice of the two, I would forego squatting entirely.

    There are other options though. In the first gym, which I outgrew, I actually used a bench that had a high rack and so basically did box squats. You can also just squat with what you can Clean. Failing those two options, a combination of leg press/hack squat/bulgarian split squat.

    What do you mean "what I can clean"? I'm asking sincerely as I have seen this term a few times....
    Clean is a lift - a movement from Olympic lifting that attempts to transfer the weight from the floor to chest height. There's a standard clean, which involves dropping more under the bar (more advanced) and the power clean, where you catch the bar higher but it is less technical

    Clean : http://youtu.be/60D_lTybHQk
    Power Clean : http://youtu.be/KjGvwQl8tis

    I really enjoyed that CMS video. Really well put together for a newbie.
  • yagmuzqui
    yagmuzqui Posts: 2
    NEVER EVER EVER!!!!!! use machines. Use your body weight first. You can try Bulgarian split squads with dumbbells. I do crossfit 5 times week and we do different types of squads. Front. back, jump, air vs. Best is bulgarian split squads. Really painful but works.
  • sabified
    sabified Posts: 1,035 Member
    bump to read later
  • fitness_faeiry
    fitness_faeiry Posts: 354 Member
    Bulgarian split squat and Leg press are my favourites.

    The smith machine is not good in my opinion. It takes some of the work out of the squat, allowing you to go heavier than if you had the barbell on your back. I would start with dumbbells and work up from there
  • Iron_Feline
    Iron_Feline Posts: 10,750 Member
    There are some many exercises for your butt that do not require weights. Yes there are high repetition but you burn calories and lift that butt up. Body weight first, its faster and there is no need for spotters.

    http://www.prevention.com/fitness/fitness-tips/5-moves-seriously-lift-your-butt?s=1

    http://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/trainers-reveal-best-butt-exercises-all-time

    (most do not require weights of other equipment).

    Did I miss where the op said she wanted to work her butt?

    And I second dumbbells. Esp Bulgarian split squats, they're a killer :grumble:
  • Galatea_Stone
    Galatea_Stone Posts: 2,037 Member
    NEVER EVER EVER!!!!!! use machines. Use your body weight first. You can try Bulgarian split squads with dumbbells. I do crossfit 5 times week and we do different types of squads. Front. back, jump, air vs. Best is bulgarian split squads. Really painful but works.

    Machines have a place in a balanced strength training regime. There are a whole lot of exceptions to never ever ever.
  • k8blujay2
    k8blujay2 Posts: 4,941 Member
    NEVER EVER EVER!!!!!! use machines. Use your body weight first. You can try Bulgarian split squads with dumbbells. I do crossfit 5 times week and we do different types of squads. Front. back, jump, air vs. Best is bulgarian split squads. Really painful but works.

    Machines have a place in a balanced strength training regime. There are a whole lot of exceptions to never ever ever.

    Once upon a time I got to my happy body using machines... so I agree, they have their place... but it was 10/11 years ago... so it's been a long time ago...
  • No_Finish_Line
    No_Finish_Line Posts: 3,661 Member
    you'll be able to push more weight on the machine.

    you will get better range of motion out of the dumbells.

    if you're just training to improve your appearance, i don't think its going to make much difference in the long run
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    NEVER EVER EVER!!!!!! use machines. Use your body weight first. You can try Bulgarian split squads with dumbbells. I do crossfit 5 times week and we do different types of squads. Front. back, jump, air vs. Best is bulgarian split squads. Really painful but works.


    Never ever use any machine? For anything?

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