Squatting and smith maching

Using the smith machine doesn't give you the true benefit of a squat. The smith machine takes away a lot of the stabilizing work that other muscles do when doing a real squat. I have heard some people say it is easier to get injured on a smith. That I don't get.

A lot of people hate on the smith machine. Personally, I haven't yet found a use for it. You would be better off squatting, incline pressing, whatever with a normal barbell. You're missing out on a lot of balance and stabilization work. I don't know if it is really easier to get injured, I just see no point in using it.

Using the smith machine doesn't give you the true benefit of a squat. The smith machine takes away a lot of the stabilizing work that other muscles do when doing a real squat. I have heard some people say it is easier to get injured on a smith. That I don't get.

It forces you into a more vertical position, it puts excess stress on your knee joints, and can blow them out. It also stresses your back because of the unnatural squatting angle. Plus it allows you to unrack any weight, whether you can safely hold it or not.

i could definitely see how if i starting squatting without the the smith machine i'd probably need to take some weight off ...but its all i have access to at the moment ....i'm new to lifting so the stability makes me feel "Safer"

I know what you mean, but honestly, get into a regular rack as soon as you can. A good spotter can make you feel just as safe, if not safer. I've been squatting in a regular rack for almost a year now. I only use a spotter ( big, strong guy) for my heaviest sets...the rest of the time the safety bars are fine.

this is me squatting in the regualr rack last week
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this is me in the smith machine last year
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I heard the smith machine gives you unnatural motion which is why it's bad for you. Barbell squat is far more superior because you're using your core to balance and it's harder!

I used to use the smith machine and when I went from that to squats I had to decrease the weights even more. I love barbell squat so much more now.

i could definitely see how if i starting squatting without the the smith machine i'd probably need to take some weight off ...but its all i have access to at the moment ....i'm new to lifting so the stability makes me feel "Safer"

Honestly, I'd start with dumbbell squats if that is what it took to work up to the bar. With the Smith, you are putting extra stress on your knees, back, and hips, and you aren't getting as good of a workout on the muscles that ARE being worked. I squat by myself all the time without fear. Practice dumping weight safely and the safety pins on the rack will be all the spotting you need.

Yeah the smith machine is a huge crutch. Othwise it's good for safety if you don't have a spotter, but...

...that said, squat racks, power racks, and squat stands all have pins that you can drop/place the weight onto if you get caught under the bar. So just practice "bailing" the weight on them a few times and avoid the machine.

If your foot placement is good, the smith shouldn't hurt your back. The bar should be right above the center of your foot throughout the movement regardless. The problem is that squatting in the smith doesn't work the muscles that help you hold it there because it does it for you.