Smith Squats vs. BB Squats

[superman21]

I seem to have better results with smith squats when it comes to leg development. anyone else like this?

Why would you choose one over the other?

my delima is i can push through more reps on smith because if i get in trouble its easy to rack the weight. With squats, there isnt a "safety net".

I do feel that squats has better development for lower back. I am 6'3, so i guess i feel that i have to lean too far forward to balance myself in order to get low enough on bb squats.... does anyone else have this problem?

 

[PsyT]

barbell squats

anything else and I feel like a fucking pussy.

 

[boggs67ss]

I think its personal preference. I've seen videos of cutler using the smith, I've seen a lot of yoked guys using smith at my gym. I use smith cuz its easier on my knees.

 

[Shelby]

Apples and oranges, really.

Smith squats are much more like a hack squat than a barbell squat.

Depends on how you do both though, there are many variations (depth, stance, etc.).

 

[walker11]

i'de say barbell squats. i fell like i get a better motion and more strength out of it since you're not able to use the smith machine as a guide/balance mechanism. and i feel you on the lower back thing, i'm 6'3 too and when i squat i bend a lot more than all of my training partners who are all under 6 ft., i think it just one of those things that goes with being tall.

 

[Metal]

I agree
If I havent a partner to spot me then I feel better with a Smith. Also, As u mentioned Shelby, stance. Ive put my feet out in front of me a little, couldnt do this doing BB squats. It is more of a hack, but I must admit, using a Smith doesnt require the amount of attention as straight BB squats. Which is why I can push more on a Smith

Apples and oranges, really.

Smith squats are much more like a hack squat than a barbell squat.

Depends on how you do both though, there are many variations (depth, stance, etc.).

 

[Ashop]

I think its personal preference. I've seen videos of cutler using the smith, I've seen a lot of yoked guys using smith at my gym. I use smith cuz its easier on my knees.

I tend to agree. You need to use what feels most comfortable and that produces results for YOU.

 

[kingpeon]

Free weight barbell. It's scarier than being locked in a machine. Higher NMA exercise = better growth.

 

[Myosin10]

I have seen this debated in magazines and tons of threads. My final verdict is do both! With the smith machine you can do things that you cant with a barbell. You can get better isolation of leg muscles using the smith machine. With the barbell you get to use your stabilizer muscles more and I personally feel you get more power out of barbell squats. I use both tho smith machine is a great way to shock your body and change up your workout.

 

[Bigballer42]

Being that I am 6 '4 i find it allot easier on my knees (bad knees do to the years of sports...Basketball, Football, Baseball) with the Smith machine Squat! Plus I can go heavier for obvious reasons! When I do BB squats I like a wide stance! Helps with being able to go lower without the bending of my back! All in all though....I'm a bigger fan of the SM Squat!

 

[Big Dave Smith]

Barbell back squats have always been the best quad builder for me. Smith squats put too much in my lower back and I feel trapped because the bar is locked into place.

If I had to pick my top three favorite quad movements, BB squat, BB walking lunges, and hack squats.

 

[emeric delczeg]

I seem to have better results with smith squats when it comes to leg development. anyone else like this?

Why would you choose one over the other?

my delima is i can push through more reps on smith because if i get in trouble its easy to rack the weight. With squats, there isnt a "safety net".

I do feel that squats has better development for lower back. I am 6'3, so i guess i feel that i have to lean too far forward to balance myself in order to get low enough on bb squats.... does anyone else have this problem?

I use the smith for my heavy negativ squats superset with free bar squats 8 reps 3 sets on each.

 

[the_warrior]

I seem to have better results with smith squats when it comes to leg development. anyone else like this?

Why would you choose one over the other?

my delima is i can push through more reps on smith because if i get in trouble its easy to rack the weight. With squats, there isnt a "safety net".

I do feel that squats has better development for lower back. I am 6'3, so i guess i feel that i have to lean too far forward to balance myself in order to get low enough on bb squats.... does anyone else have this problem?

I don't think one is better than the other. For myself, I did smith squats in lieu of bb squats for about a year because they forced my quads to do the work over and gainst my posterior chain. During that period, I took my heavy set form 355x12 to 465x10 and my widowmaker from 255x20 to 355x19. Suffice it to say that my leg development improved. To reiterate then what I said in the beginning, I think both movements have their benefits and relative advantages depending on the form you use and your body structure. Progress in either case will come from progression and both movements are well suited to substantial gains over time.

 

[EDED]

learn how to squat properly, dont lean forward, keep your back tight up right, chest towards the ceiling,,,push the earth DOWN with your legs instead of thinking of pushing the weights UP

inspirational video and proper O lift squat form,,,i wonder how much this guy weighs

YouTube - Zhang Guozheng 220kg x 2

look how easily he racks and unracks, and see how close his arms are to his shoulders causing the entire back top to bottom to be tight,,,,these guys rarely get injured.

 

[MAINEVENT]

Barbell Squats have always felt very awkward to me. No matter what I change, I mostly feel low back pressure. Now front squats feel much more natural for me.....keeps me more upright and I feel it my target areas.

Smith squats seem to suit me a little better and I feel i can focus more on feeling the weight instead of just trying to worry about getting up and down....if you know what I mean.

 

[EDED]

Barbell Squats have always felt very awkward to me. No matter what I change, I mostly feel low back pressure. Now front squats feel much more natural for me.....keeps me more upright and I feel it my target areas.

Smith squats seem to suit me a little better and I feel i can focus more on feeling the weight instead of just trying to worry about getting up and down....if you know what I mean.

i am the opposite LOL

they say front and back squats supposed to feel the same when you 'master' them haha.

 

[eroc613]

Who are "They"?

 

[EDED]

Who are "They"?

the masters durrrr












j/k

powerlifters and o. lifters

is there a problem?

 

[Johnny Ringo]

Word is You and Conwict are the "Masters"

 

[Diesel City]

Ok. I'm going to post this for the last time damn it! This is TRUTH!!!!

YouTube - normal kid meets a powerlifter

"you are a fuckin idiot! Anyone who says full squats are bad for the knees has with that statement, demonstrated conclusively that they are not entitled to an opinion about the matter. "