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Squats using Smith Machine

  • 05-07-2009 2:33pm
    #1
    bandb
    Closed Accounts Posts: 27 ✭


    From what ive heard and read squats seem to be the best exercise all round for building muscle.
    im at 90kg in total inc bar.. long way to go !


Comments

  • #2
    deadlast
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 436 ✭✭deadlast


    bandb wrote: »
    From what ive heard and read squats seem to be the best exercise all round for building muscle.
    im at 90kg in total inc bar.. long way to go !

    Edit:- Dam, almost fell for it!
    troll.jpg


  • #3
    DoireNod
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 863 ✭✭✭DoireNod


    deadlast wrote: »
    Dam, almost fell for it!
    Haha!

    Squats are good. I enjoy them, but I prefer using free-weight in the power-rack; I think it's far superior to using the smith machine for squats. Nice job on the 90kg though, why not try real squats now? :pac:


  • #4
    bandb
    Closed Accounts Posts: 27 ✭bandb


    keep trying for vicar street though !
    and keep sitting best stand up lol


  • #5
    ragg
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭ragg


    smith squats are not ideal, but fine for most people.

    When you start hitting over 150kgs you might need new knees. But untill then, you should fine...


  • #6
    the drifter
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,348 ✭✭✭the drifter


    squat rack======squats
    smith machine======??? the smiths?


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  • #7
    Zamboni
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,306 ✭✭✭Zamboni


    Smith machines are incredibly effective machines.
    That is incredibly effective at taking up space.


  • #8
    fiddlesticks
    Closed Accounts Posts: 175 ✭✭fiddlesticks


    ragg wrote: »
    smith squats are not ideal, but fine for most people.

    When you start hitting over 150kgs you might need new knees. But untill then, you should fine...

    Besides the main obvious advantages of using free weights for squatting rather than a smith machine, what is the potential damage of using the smith machine over long periods of time?

    I have the option of using gym with a smith machine or one with a rack, havent noticed much of a difference with the machine or the rack just yet but am only repping @110kgs at the moment


  • #9
    Will Heffernan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,045 ✭✭✭Will Heffernan


    fiddlesticks wrote: »
    Besides the main obvious advantages of using free weights for squatting rather than a smith machine, what is the potential damage of using the smith machine over long periods of time?

    I have the option of using gym with a smith machine or one with a rack, havent noticed much of a difference with the machine or the rack just yet but am only repping @110kgs at the moment
    Smith machines aren't the devil...it's just that when you are squatting or benching in a smith machine you are forcing your body to conform to a movement pattern dictated to you by the smith machine. This is an issue because except for briankeating we are not robots. As a result of this predefined range of motion you are also missing out on an opportunity to train all those postural and structural muscles that give you stabilisation, balance and control.


  • #10
    ragg
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭ragg


    ^^
    Is exactly it, its generally fine and is still a good compound workout - just not as good as a "real" squat.
    Also I have heard that very heavy weight on a smith machine, can put too much pressure on your knees

    If you are doing other free weights for your legs also - Dead lift, Lunges etc you should be fine and will never suffer a problem.


  • #11
    fiddlesticks
    Closed Accounts Posts: 175 ✭✭fiddlesticks


    cheers for that


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  • #12
    zebrafumbler
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 85 ✭✭zebrafumbler


    Smith machines are the work of the devil. Steer clear of them if you want to keep your joints healthy. Also some of the lesser brands can become uneven and unbalanced after time, leading to uneven development at best and injury at worst. There's no substitute for free weight exercises, remember you can't reinvent the wheel!


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