Smith Machine vs. squat rack?

red8424
red8424 Posts: 160 Member
edited October 29 in Fitness and Exercise
Part 1: In your opinion, which is better for squats- Smith or squat rack? And why?

Part 2: What is the comparison as far as weight goes- (i/e If I can do 3x8 with 60lbs on Smith, how much should I try on the rack? more or less to start?) Don't want to embarass myself with muscle failure on the first set.

I kind of already know what the consensus will be but I'm more interested in the "Why" and the "weight comparison."

Replies

  • GetSoda
    GetSoda Posts: 1,267 Member
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/843167-smith-squat-machine?hl=smith+squat#posts-12658251

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/904698-smith-machine-squats-love-or-hate-em?hl=smith+squat&page=1#posts-13698361

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/699498-for-all-the-smith-machine-haters-out-there?hl=smith+squat&page=1#posts-10255523

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/668520-i-finally-ditched-the-smith?hl=smith+squat#posts-9735298

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1011902-squats-question?hl=smith+squat#posts-15499610

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/995583-smith-machine?hl=smith+squat#posts-15231048
  • red8424
    red8424 Posts: 160 Member
    Sorry, I searched but I guess I didn't search for the right keyword.
  • brillmer
    brillmer Posts: 1,268 Member
    youre better off just using the squat rack

    smith machine forces an awkward position that is not like real squatting, and can lead to many issues

    start at the squat rack, even with an empty bar if you have to (thats what i did).. work on proper form.. and increase weights as you go along.

    the smith machine really shouldnt be used for anything.. unless you're trying to isolate certain body parts.. and even then, id suggest dumb bells or unilateral machines before i say do the smith

    my 2 cents~
  • Lupercalia
    Lupercalia Posts: 1,857 Member
    youre better off just using the squat rack

    smith machine forces an awkward position that is not like real squatting, and can lead to many issues

    start at the squat rack, even with an empty bar if you have to (thats what i did).. work on proper form.. and increase weights as you go along.

    the smith machine really shouldnt be used for anything.. unless you're trying to isolate certain body parts.. and even then, id suggest dumb bells or unilateral machines before i say do the smith

    my 2 cents~

    All of this!
  • nanosuitninja
    nanosuitninja Posts: 30 Member
    Definitely the squat rack, much more free range of motion, causes you to use more stabilization muscles etc. to balance the weight. Which in my opinion helps to build a more balanced physique, not to mention lifting weights, rater than using machines, is probably more beneficial for most sports due to the naturalness of the exercise.
  • Showcase_Brodown
    Showcase_Brodown Posts: 919 Member
    Use the rack unless you have a really good reason not to. The rack forces more core involvement because you have to actually balance and stabilize the weight.
  • GetSoda
    GetSoda Posts: 1,267 Member
    Sorry, I searched but I guess I didn't search for the right keyword.

    No worries mate! Thought you might get better information out of several discussions rather than just a post of "Smith bad. Squat good."
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    youre better off just using the squat rack

    smith machine forces an awkward position that is not like real squatting, and can lead to many issues

    start at the squat rack, even with an empty bar if you have to (thats what i did).. work on proper form.. and increase weights as you go along.

    the smith machine really shouldnt be used for anything.. unless you're trying to isolate certain body parts.. and even then, id suggest dumb bells or unilateral machines before i say do the smith

    my 2 cents~

    yep.
  • Joreanasaurous
    Joreanasaurous Posts: 1,384 Member
    youre better off just using the squat rack

    smith machine forces an awkward position that is not like real squatting, and can lead to many issues

    start at the squat rack, even with an empty bar if you have to (thats what i did).. work on proper form.. and increase weights as you go along.

    the smith machine really shouldnt be used for anything.. unless you're trying to isolate certain body parts.. and even then, id suggest dumb bells or unilateral machines before i say do the smith

    my 2 cents~

    I think this is pretty spot on.

    Presently I am stuck using a Smith due to an injury I am recovering from, but otherwise give me a squat rack any day.
  • 808haoleboy
    808haoleboy Posts: 23 Member
    The smith machine is good for putting your towel on it when working out, and um, maybe doing pull ups on it if nothing else is available. Also can be used for doing front dips on. Its not good for squats though.

    Otherwise, familiarize yourself with the squat rack. Its a glorious and wonderful place to be. You will be challenged, pushed and overcome great feats in this location. Learn good form, start with light weights and GO FOR IT. :)

    Full range of motion too! None of this "half squats."
  • j6o4
    j6o4 Posts: 871 Member
    I would only use smith machine for hack squats.
  • BonaFideUK
    BonaFideUK Posts: 313 Member
    Use the squat rack. Start with the bar, then keep adding 10lb plates to the bar.
  • christylynn622
    christylynn622 Posts: 43 Member
    bump
  • JeffseekingV
    JeffseekingV Posts: 3,165 Member
    Given the choice? Squat rack. But a DUAL AXIS smith machines are fine.
  • lili61
    lili61 Posts: 231 Member
    Squat rack, for all the important reasons other posters have mentioned. It is important to build the stabilizing muscles along with the larger muscle groups. I only use the smith machine if I can't do any more floor pushups or when I'm doing negative pull ups.
  • getstrongkaylen
    getstrongkaylen Posts: 137 Member
    squat rack! free weights are the way to go!
  • Sam_I_Am77
    Sam_I_Am77 Posts: 2,093 Member
    Smith Machines can have their place in one's training but generally speaking i would squat in a squat rack / power rack. A Smith Machine is a machine and those bars basically stabilize the bar for you. I'm honestly not sure if that bar even weigh's 45lbs or not, could be wrong but I honestly don't know. Aside from that, because the SM's bar is fixed it influences and even restricts your range of motion. Your movement may not be the same as others and you may have to alter your movement to accommodate the restriction placed on you by the SM which is not good and you risk hurting yourself.
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