one legged squats question

[ToraAdams]

I would appreciate some feedback


So I changed up my routine to include 1 legged squats

I'm not sure if I'm doing this right

I have barbells in both hands

do I keep my leg in the back or in the front. Plus my arms move around more if my leg is behind me than in front of me.

Should I try the smith machine instead?

[kimm4]

I think you'll have better balance with your leg up front...but I've seen it done both ways.

I don't do them...single leg lunges and single leg press...that's enough for me :)

[tishtash]

I do one-legged squats on the Smith, and I put a bench behind me to keep my leg on. Just rest your toes on the bench. I love them!

[CharliC]

I do one-legged squats on the Smith, and I put a bench behind me to keep my leg on. Just rest your toes on the bench. I love them!

Single-leg split squats. Good stuff ;)

[Emoore]

1 legged squats are an awesome exercise.

Do them without any added weight until you can go all the way down and come back up.

Here's a good tutorial for working your way up to full 1-legged squats:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLBAbqEZIeU


Sorry don't know how to embed.

[ToraAdams]

I realize I am totally doing them wrong thank god I have a strong back !!! I wonder how many people have been laughing at me aaaaahhhhhh

I am going to try them with the smith machine /weight benchv thats such a great idea.

Thanks for all the input much appreciated

[Shea125]

Beware of the Smith machine. Fixed, straight plane of motion, especially on this can leave you worse off. Too many ways to cheat, lean and tweak.

[ohlittlecourt]

I love bulgarian squats, or single leg squats! They are super effective. Don't use the Smith machine ... Get out there on a bench (vary the heights of what you place your back foot on, this can be a great way to vary the intensity), and use some core stabilizers, too! This is more then just a squat ... If you can perform perfect form without a machine babying you along ... It will be twice as hard at first - that's the point!

I noticed changes in my hamstrings after just three days, no joke. Check youtube.com for videos. A lot of personal trainers have videos up that show correct form, or how to make it a more effective compound move.

[darkangel]

Love 'em and hate 'em. I hold the non-working leg back with toes propped on a low bench.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_Q8FKO7Ueg

[Govithoy]

Beware of the Smith machine. Fixed, straight plane of motion, especially on this can leave you worse off. Too many ways to cheat, lean and tweak.
x2

http://beastskills.com/Pistol.htm <-- Excellent tutorial for the form on a one-legged squat. I find it a bit easier to balance with a plate or DB out front.