Squats with dumbells?

Sitric

Hi, is it possible to do all the leg exercises properly, squats, deadlifts etc without a bar? Local gym only has a smith machine so I've been holding off joining for that reason. Thanks.

rubadub

You can, but you will outgrow them all very quickly, i.e. the diameters of bigger plates mean they just get in the way of your limbs etc. I would not join a gym that did not have a barbell, it is laughable that they call it a gym.

EileenG

Yes, you can do a huge amount with dumbbells if they are the right weight. If I'm working on my own, I'd rather use dumbbells, less change of injury if I need to drop one.

squod

Sounds like you're stuck with lunges.
Damn smyth machines should be banned in my opinion.

Mensch

rubadub wrote: »

You can, but you will outgrow them all very quickly, i.e. the diameters of bigger plates mean they just get in the way of your limbs etc.

Yeah, I agree with rubadub. Another negative point to using dumbells to squat is the amount of weight you're restricting yourself to - try doing dumbbell squats with 50kg dumbbells and not have your arms give way before your legs. That said, if you're doing high rep work and are using a lighter weight, they'll be just fine. I'd just keep on looking for a gym with a proper rack, it's an essential piece of equipment if you're hoping to add some size.

squod

Mensch wrote: »

I'd just keep on looking for a gym with a proper rack, it's an essential piece of equipment

I'm really supprised people still go to gyms without even a rack.
If anyone is reading these posts my advised to them would be to insist on
at least a proper rack, and definatly not a damn smyth machine.