A question about weighted squats

124»

Replies

  • melb_alex
    melb_alex Posts: 1,154 Member
    Do what works for you, the fact that we are all different and respond to different techniques is paramount.

    I have used all but find with Smith Machine and heavier weights, this results in a musclier physique. As I want to maintain that leanness I opt for dumb bells or kettle bells.
  • Warchortle
    Warchortle Posts: 2,197 Member
    If you want to train unnatural movement patterns then smith machine all the way... very easy way to start causing stress on the joints.
  • chrisdavey
    chrisdavey Posts: 9,834 Member
    I tried to use a smith machine once (hotel gym) turns out I was in it backwards. Can't do that with dumb bells :tongue:

    goblet squat

    when that is too easy

    Bulgarian split squat

    As Sara said, add some leg press and some RDL's and you are all done.

    BTW in for vid of 480 squat to parallel or below.
  • JJinWI
    JJinWI Posts: 197 Member
    Regarding squats with dumbells - does it matter if you hold the dumbell horizontally, as opposed to vertically, as in the goblet spot? I prefer to hold a single 25lb dumbell horizontally. I am assuming it doesn't make a difference, but would like some opinions.
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    Regarding squats with dumbells - does it matter if you hold the dumbell horizontally, as opposed to vertically, as in the goblet spot? I prefer to hold a single 25lb dumbell horizontally. I am assuming it doesn't make a difference, but would like some opinions.

    Do you mean horizontally but in the same position, in front of chest? I would think it would be okay, but harder to hold as it would cover more space... is there a reason you would want to hold it that way instead?
  • LolBroScience
    LolBroScience Posts: 4,537 Member
    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.

    Would love to see video of 480 lbs squat at 180 lbs as well.
  • Fujiberry
    Fujiberry Posts: 400 Member
    I did both. I did smith machine squats and bulgarian split squats with dumbbells when I first started. Smith machine squats were better for building strength for me. It's an unnatural position, but smith machine squats are actually a lot harder for me because of the machine's 'resistance'. I went from 155 lbs max on the smith to 205 max on barbell squats (in another gym) within 2 weeks.

    I still do Bulgarian split squats. They're pretty awesome for building mass, imo.
  • JJinWI
    JJinWI Posts: 197 Member
    Regarding squats with dumbells - does it matter if you hold the dumbell horizontally, as opposed to vertically, as in the goblet spot? I prefer to hold a single 25lb dumbell horizontally. I am assuming it doesn't make a difference, but would like some opinions.

    Do you mean horizontally but in the same position, in front of chest? I would think it would be okay, but harder to hold as it would cover more space... is there a reason you would want to hold it that way instead?

    Thank you. Yes. Same position - in front of chest. It just feels better for me that way - almost a feeling of more control of the dumbell for me, I guess.

Categories