Squats

[bud_2005]

When you guys do squats do you do the kind where there are cables attachd to the barbell or do you do it the old-fashioned way where you take the barbell off the rack, step back 3 steps, and start squatting. The nice thing about the cables one is that you don't have to balance the bar but it seems like cheating a little.

 

[spesmilitis]

You are talking about the smith machine. Using the smith machine isn't the 'new-fashioned way', its the dumb-fashioned way.

 

[BluEyes]

Are you talking about attaching bands to the bar to stop bounce?

And yes, the "old-fashioned" way is the right way. The only time I'd advocate smith-machine is when dieting down and you need to mix things up. You shouldn't need to do that till you have an off-the-floor squat of like 500.

 

[Drum&Bass]

You shouldn't need to do that till you have an off-the-floor squat of like 500.

This is ridiculous and makes no sense. why would someone need a 500 lb squat to use a smith machine ??

Smith Machine squats are a great exercise, they are done differently than regular barbell back squats, and there is more emphasis on quadriceps. You should do smith squats in combination with regular squats and front squats, sticking only to conventional squats will give you great hamstrings and glutes but your quads will not be as nicely developed.

The nice thing about the cables one is that you don't have to balance the bar but it seems like cheating a little.

Smith squats are incredibly difficult, most likely your not using correct form, again its not executed the same way as a freeweight squat.

 

[HK1]

Cables? Machines? never heard of them.



The smith machine doesnt suit a person because the range of motion isnt natural. If you stand off to the side, most people squat in an arc, kind of like ( not exactly like that, but im sure you can understand what im saying. Also, you mentioned its Achilles heel. The balance, thats not something you want to lose.

Ive tried it, and it just feels very unnatural to me. If you're looking for a change in leg workouts, try giving 20-rep squats a whirl. Its a real ball buster so I wouldnt do it while dieting. You can always try a farmers walk, while doing lunges at the same time (2 birds, 1 stone), front squats, zercher squats are another one thats also taxing on your core.

They all get the heart racing.

Are you talking about attaching bands to the bar to stop bounce?

Bands...I actually miss those types of workouts. Cool thing with bands is you can incorporate them with damn near any core movement. The downside with them is how taxing they are on the CNS. I never used them longer then 4-6 weeks at a time, usually 4 weeks.

Chains can be fun too, damn things are expensive though.

 

[spesmilitis]

This is ridiculous and makes no sense. why would someone need a 500 lb squat to use a smith machine ??

Smith Machine squats are a great exercise, they are done differently than regular barbell back squats, and there is more emphasis on quadriceps. You should do smith squats in combination with regular squats and front squats, sticking only to conventional squats will give you great hamstrings and glutes but your quads will not be as nicely developed.

Smith squats are incredibly difficult, most likely your not using correct form, again its not executed the same way as a freeweight squat.

Again, I disagree with your post. Never use smith machines, unless you are very advanced.

 

[Warboss Alex]

smith machine squats are just glorified leg presses.

if you have a squat rack, use it. if you have no other way of training legs then do smith squats but the results will not be nearly as good as with free weights.

I agree with BluEyes. once you have built your base and need to cycle in smith squats (to give your lower back a rest for example) then do it, but do not make them your core leg/mass builder.