Smith Squat Machine

FitbeTMF
FitbeTMF Posts: 251
edited January 8 in Fitness and Exercise
Okay for beginners?

Replies

  • bcf7683
    bcf7683 Posts: 1,653 Member
    I wouldn't suggest it. It's bad for your hips- the fixed bar doesn't allow for natural movement. I would suggest squatting an empty bar to get your balance and form correct, then start adding weight when you feel you're ready for it.
  • FitbeTMF
    FitbeTMF Posts: 251
    Okay So I'm not alone in my thinking. I didn't find the weight as difficult as staying in that fixed range of motion. Sooooo no bar at my little apt gym. Goblet squats?
  • lorcart
    lorcart Posts: 406 Member
    No. If there's no bar doing them with dumbbells.
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
    Ok for nobody
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
    Okay So I'm not alone in my thinking. I didn't find the weight as difficult as staying in that fixed range of motion. Sooooo no bar at my little apt gym. Goblet squats?

    Yes
  • bcf7683
    bcf7683 Posts: 1,653 Member
    You can do dumbbell squats or kettlebell squats... Here's a link that can help you find alternatives

    http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/barbell-squat

    Go to the section below the pics of the guy squatting and look at the alternative exercises. There's more if you dig around a little
  • FitbeTMF
    FitbeTMF Posts: 251
    Thanks :)

    My new program calls for using the smith machine for my squats. I'd rather do bulgarian split squats than that damn machine. And I hate bulgarian split squats..
  • GuybrushThreepw00d
    GuybrushThreepw00d Posts: 784 Member
    No. If there's no bar doing them with dumbbells.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUgPggFOAB4
  • darkguardian419
    darkguardian419 Posts: 1,302 Member
    If you're a beginner, then your best bet is to start with the better option, free weight squat with a bar. That way your supporting muscles grow as well as your primary working muscles.

    The problem with machines is that you are limited in motion, and it actually assists you, my squat goes up about 75-100# if I use a machine, but it's not natural, and the next day I had shoulder/back pain.


    Edit to add: if there's no bar, you can buy one fairly cheap on craigslist. It's worth it :D
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    barbell.

    avoid the smith machine at all costs.
  • PJDolan
    PJDolan Posts: 6
    I'd start with old fashioned barbell squats. Start very light, focus on correct form, and slowly add weight over time.
  • AngryDiet
    AngryDiet Posts: 1,349 Member
    Do not use.
  • Bobby__Clerici
    Bobby__Clerici Posts: 741 Member
    Of course it's OK :drinker:
    You will want to integrate free weights in at some point.
    And unless I have a spotter, I am not going to break myself in half squatting.
    The key to reaching fitness goals as a beginner is not so much what you do but that you do something.
    Good Luck
  • BellaFe
    BellaFe Posts: 323
    Even new barbells aren't too expensive.
  • FitbeTMF
    FitbeTMF Posts: 251
    Even new barbells aren't too expensive.

    Kinda jobless right now. Living out of town while my bf has cancer treatment. I'm working with whats given to me right now
  • bcf7683
    bcf7683 Posts: 1,653 Member
    Of course it's OK :drinker:

    And unless I have a spotter, I am not going to break myself in half squatting.
    The key to reaching fitness goals is not so much what you do but that you do something.
    Good Luck

    If you don't have a spotter then don't lift so much that you'll break yourself in half.
    Squatting on a smith can cause hip joint damage. I've never heard anyone knowledgeable in the fitness field recommend squats on a smith. Most cringe at the thought, actually. If you can consistently squat on a smith and not have some kind of hip discomfort, you're probably not doing it correctly.
  • BellaFe
    BellaFe Posts: 323
    Even new barbells aren't too expensive.

    Kinda jobless right now. Living out of town while my bf has cancer treatment. I'm working with whats given to me right now



    I am so sorry :(
  • Bobby__Clerici
    Bobby__Clerici Posts: 741 Member
    Of course it's OK :drinker:

    And unless I have a spotter, I am not going to break myself in half squatting.
    The key to reaching fitness goals is not so much what you do but that you do something.
    Good Luck

    If you don't have a spotter then don't lift so much that you'll break yourself in half.
    Squatting on a smith can cause hip joint damage. I've never heard anyone knowledgeable in the fitness field recommend squats on a smith. Most cringe at the thought, actually. If you can consistently squat on a smith and not have some kind of hip discomfort, you're probably not doing it correctly.
    I train for performance - not bodybuilding or power-lifting, so it works fine.
    This debate rages on and on....I do both and get results.
    That settles it in my world.
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