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Squats: dumbbells or smith?
thedreamhazer
Posts: 1,156 Member
I use the free gym at my office. It has awesome cardio equipment and a lot of dumbbells, but no bar or squat rack. That leaves my choices for squats to be dumbbells or the Smith. Which is going to be the better choice?
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Replies
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Smith, IMO. Research proper form for smith squats as it varies from standard (feet are further in front I believe).0
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Which ever is more comfortable for your bio-mechanics.
The smith's restrictive plane of motion is an issue for some.0 -
Alternate them. Both can be effective.
A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
Thank you all for your help!0
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Alternate them. Both can be effective.
Curious: Not that I doubt the above because you're probably right-- but in general, wouldn't grip strength likely become an issue on DB squats prior to anything leg and posterior-chain related?
Now I'll be the first to admit that I've not done DB squats-- it just seems logical that this would be the limiting factor.
Aware me niner
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Alternate them. Both can be effective.
Curious: Not that I doubt the above because you're probably right-- but in general, wouldn't grip strength likely become an issue on DB squats prior to anything leg and posterior-chain related?
Now I'll be the first to admit that I've not done DB squats-- it just seems logical that this would be the limiting factor.
Aware me niner
Yes, for most people grip strength would be the issue using DBs. I think a lot of women (and some men) would find it difficult to grip 45s, but pretty easy to do on a smith.
I think you'd probably be training more effectively using DBs if you just did a farmers walk with them instead of trying to do squats. It wouldn't work the lower body as well but for overall strength it is a better DB exercise.0 -
I'd choose Bulgarian Split Squats, and goblet squats.
Maybe alternate all three, smith inclusive.
With the smith squat, yep feet further forward to keep the knees behind the toes.
Still requires the same principle. tight back(pull the bar down), tight core etc, knees above or behind toes. and get to or past parrallel.0 -
I can't grip my squat weight, so db's would never work for me. I probably squat 110 free, I kinow I squat 140 smith. It's a hateful machine and I wish they had a squat rack at my gym, but oh well it's free as I work there so I make due with what I have.0
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Yes it would. But good thing they make straps for that! If grip is a problem, you could always do a goblet squat.
Curious: Not that I doubt the above because you're probably right-- but in general, wouldn't grip strength likely become an issue on DB squats prior to anything leg and posterior-chain related?
Now I'll be the first to admit that I've not done DB squats-- it just seems logical that this would be the limiting factor.
Aware me niner
A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
I've been training with dumbbells on the bench press for about year and a half, so I actually have pretty decent grip strength. I know I can grip 50s without a problem, although I do squat more than that. I'll go ahead and try a rotation of different squats, including the Smith.
Also -- looking into straps.0 -
I think If I had to pick I'd go with smith because it'd be tough to hold heavy enough dumbbells over your head/behind your back.
And throw in some other good stuff for your legs. deads and lunges are great.0 -
Bulgarian squats are one legged so 2 50's should be enough weight.I think If I had to pick I'd go with smith because it'd be tough to hold heavy enough dumbbells over your head/behind your back.
And throw in some other good stuff for your legs. deads and lunges are great.
A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0
This discussion has been closed.