Smith Machine

[deepraj]

Has anyone had any trouble doing squats or deadlifts using a smith machine. My gym is getting one and I am getting tired of doing dumbell squats. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Deepraj

 

[Ironager]

How about barbell squats? the king of exercises. I would only suggest the smith machine if there is absolutely no way of doing the exercise with free weights. The fixed range of motion on the smith prevents the use of your stabilizer muscles.

 

[deepraj]

Thanks for the advice but my gym does not have a squat rack (or even a barbell!). It sucks cause my uni gym was great it had a squat rack two bench presses (incline and normal) and a smith machine. Plus loads of bumbells and flat benches. My home gym is mostly machines, and to top it off I signed a 1 yr contract!

I will see how much form I lose by doing dumbell squats vs smith machine. But I understand what you mean about stabilizer muscles not being used with the fixed motion of smith machine.

I really want to add more compound excersizes to my workout but dont have the capability at my local gym.

Deepraj