Squats: machine vs. free?

[Zero Hero]

Hey guys, I have some trouble with balance when I am doing squats. Does it make a big difference if I use the machine instead? I am trying to bulk.

 

[TyTe`EyEs]

Use less weight until you build up a good base. Make sure to work out your core by doing abs and deadlifts.

 

[MiGuelS]

machine squats for me at least just isn't the same its so restricting. Just make sure the weight is on your heals, back straight, and head is up.

free weights all the way.

 

[Throttle]

a machine squat is basically equivalent to a leg press. why bother? work up slowly to the real thing. which direction are you losing your balance towards? or is it every which way?

 

[Zero Hero]

Usually going backwards...I can and generally do do the free squats, but I feel like my form is bad.

 

[Throttle]

try box squats (it's almost certainly a flexibility issue if you consistently lose your balance the same direction):

http://www.ironaddicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2046

 

[Zero Hero]

Don't say or write that you're TRYING to bulk.

You ARE bulking.

Whenever someone asks me, "Are you trying to bulk up?" I correct them on the spot: "I AM bulking."

Language dictates reality.

LOL whatever you say...I already gained 20 pounds "trying" to bulk

 

[Throttle]

I don't understand the poster who writes that SMS are the same as the leg press

I assumed by squat machine that zero meant something along the lines of a nautilus rather than a smith.

...besides, the leg press is an excellent way to develop strong, ripped quads.

again, I won't diagree. but the original poster asked if there was a difference. there's a huge difference. free squats are better than nearly anything else for pure growth (deadlifts are up there of course, too).

leg extensions 3 x 20-30 reps (warm up)
SM squats 6 X 10-20 reps ( 135 x 20, 225 x 12-15 (2),
315 x 6-8 (2), 225 x 20
lying leg curls 3-4 sets

calf raises 3 x 25 reps per foot

leg press 4-6 sets (max 5-7 plates per side,
depends how strong I feel)

hack squats 3-4 sets (max 2 plates and quarter per side)

well, i'm not here to critique your routine, but that's markedly different from the philosophy championed by WBA & effort, among others.

language does not dictate reality. that's a headgame. diet, rest, and a sensible routine need only dedication and a strong desire to keep learning & improving to produce results. he's here & asking questions -- to me that indicates a desire to improve.

 

[MrS]

Put your heel on a low plank of wood, until you learn to balance.

 

[Lust]

Ok im new, but im quite a gym junkie.

Free weights are always better than machines.

Though you may be able to concentrate on building muscles better if you used a machine, free weights add an extra factor. The way your muscles learn to balance, cope and deal with heavy weights without balance support is going to be something that benefits you much more than just using an machine to buffen up.