Smith Machine Squats

[BigBoY01]

Just wondering?

Ive been using a slight 70 degree to the front smith mach. doing 6 x 6 reps then straight onto 10 x 10 reps with 30 sec. breaks. then 1 dropset.

Currently doing 3 plates a side for the 6 x 6 & 2 plates for the 10 x 10

planning to go 4 plates for the 6 x 6 the coming leg day.

I would say I was about an inch away from going paralell with the floor at the bottom of my squat.

I'm getting mixed messages from everybody that should know something at the gym, (i.e, personal trainers, and the fat guy that says he's a bodyB and he's in bulking season. in the middle of summer!)

Anyways, anyone reckon I'm on my way to messin up my back or something??

[Jasthace]

Thats what I was just about to ask you.

How is your lower back?

With this type of workout,I myself find it hard to repeat much more than three weeks in a row without my back starting to play havoc to the point of ruining my workout.

But the strength gains are great.

I like to incorporate the same intensity in my bent over barbell row also.

I like 8 x 6 reps working weight, with 30 intervals,it's a shocker!

But with that and the squats,the back is the weakest point and the pumps are near crippling.

I'm taking a week of squats and bb rows this week.

[Pseudonym]

I'm not a big fan of smith machine squats. I throw them in occasionally, but either doing hack squats, or going for lighter weights and heigher reps. This is just a gut feeling, but I think that the heavier you go, the more important it is to have free weights that can move where you need them to. Obviously, the smith machine restricts your movement to one vertical plane of motion.

Is there any reason you're doing smith machine squats over regular barbell squats?

[mr natural]

i would suggest a free weight squat for all over leg mass but if you wanting to isolate the quads somewhat then the smith machine squat can do this reasonably well

things you need to be careful of would be stressing your knees and your lower back.

to avoid this try placing the back of your feet about 8-10 inches forward of the bar so when you get your thighs parrallel with the floor your legs should be around about 90 dergee's and you knees should not be coming out in front of your toes.

to avoid any back strain make sure your hips are moving in line at all times with the upright of the smith machine and are pretty much directly under the bar. also and obvioulsy engauge your core/tva muscles by pulling in your stomach.if you really wanna be cautious then use a weight belt.

if your following all of this in your work out then there should not be any issues so go for it

[BigBoY01]

Is there any reason you're doing smith machine squats over regular barbell squats?

Just had to use it once when the squat racks were all taken and found that I could go heavier and deeper with better form, so just stuck with it.

[BigBoY01]

Cheers 4 the tips all!!

[Jasthace]

Thats what I was just about to ask you.

How is your lower back?

With this type of workout,I myself find it hard to repeat much more than three weeks in a row without my back starting to play havoc to the point of ruining my workout.

But the strength gains are great.

I like to incorporate the same intensity in my bent over barbell row also.

I like 8 x 6 reps working weight, with 30 intervals,it's a shocker!

But with that and the squats,the back is the weakest point and the pumps are near crippling.

I'm taking a week of squats and bb rows this week.

How did my response to another thread end up in this thread :shock:

[BigBoY01]

!!Shux knows :shrug:

[Pseudonym]

Where was it supposed to be, Jasthace? Let us know, and one of the mods will move it for you.

[samoan_muscle]

Is there any reason you're doing smith machine squats over regular barbell squats?

Just had to use it once when the squat racks were all taken and found that I could go heavier and deeper with better form, so just stuck with it.

Just wondering, do you find that you fart or shart when going heavier and deeper?? Just a question... :toilet: