Squats with Smith Machine or Dumbbells better?

[snowboarder_des]

Hey.

My gym doesn't have a squat rack.

And no I can't switch gyms. I am living in Japan and they don't have many gyms with squat racks here.

That said, I have access to dumbbells as well as a Smith machine. Have been using the Smith to do squats but read that the Smith Machine limits your ROM.

So which is better, squats with the Smith Machine or use dumbbells?

[elmariachii]

with dumbbels is better than smith i guess, but you're gonna be limited to the amount of weight you can carry.

but nothing wrong using the smith machine other than it wont work your stabilizers muscles as much as free weight

[SugarJay0126]

Originally Posted by elmariachii

with dumbbels is better than smith i guess, but you're gonna be limited to the amount of weight you can carry.

but nothing wrong using the smith machine other than it wont work your stabilizers muscles as much as free weight

Right on with the above guy...I'd say use the Smith to do your actual squats and then use the dumbbells to do more variety such as lunges and side squats and stuff...just to be sure you hit everything. :-)

[pberrios]

i think the smith is great, its gonnna allow you to set up so you dont put so much pressure on your knees, you will hear people say u wont be able to pack on teh weight.....put five plates on each side, that will make up for the difference believe me =)

[Squats In Socks]

You can always try goblet squats with a dumbbell.

[ironwill2008]

It's not a question of which of the two is better; put together a routine using both.

[donny_c]

just power clean the bar to the racked position and do front squats.

[stasgolbom]

you guys dont have a power rack?
use the smith after you reach your grip limits with the DBs

[snowboarder_des]

Originally Posted by stasgolbom

you guys dont have a power rack?
use the smith after you reach your grip limits with the DBs

nope, no power rack...all we have is a smith machine with a bench, another bench to use dumbbells with, and a pull-up/dip apparatus. And 1 barbell and 1 ez curl barbell... so basically I can only do bench presses or squats with the Smith machine...or use dumbbells...Powerclean and front squats seem a little difficult but will give it a try... seems more of an advanced move and still quite a beginner.

I will use both the Smith and dumbbells...thanks for the help all!

[jinws]

Originally Posted by snowboarder_des

nope, no power rack...all we have is a smith machine with a bench, another bench to use dumbbells with, and a pull-up/dip apparatus. And 1 barbell and 1 ez curl barbell... so basically I can only do bench presses or squats with the Smith machine...or use dumbbells...Powerclean and front squats seem a little difficult but will give it a try... seems more of an advanced move and still quite a beginner.

I will use both the Smith and dumbbells...thanks for the help all!

As someone kindly pointed out in my post/rant about my gym not having a power rack, he used the dip apparatus to load the bar with plates. Not sure if it can be done with yours.

[Wildtim]

Also look up Jefferson Squats and Hack Squats. Another option is goblet sqats with a single dumbbell.

[belairdfence99]

If you can use that one barbell, I would suggest hack squats.

[snowboarder_des]

Originally Posted by belairdfence99

If you can use that one barbell, I would suggest hack squats.

Currently I am doing a full body workout mondays weds and fridays...

As for leg workouts, I am currently doing

Monday - Smith Machine Squats
Wednesday - Deadlifts
Friday - Lunges and Smith Machine Calf Raises

Perhaps will try this

Monday - BB Hack Squats
Keep other days the same

However, is there any substitute for lunges? The dumbbells feel heavy in my hands and I tend to lose my grip. However, my legs feel like the weight could be heavier...

[bonvec01]

A good alternative would be belted squats.

Set up two benches, about shoulder width apart. Stand with a foot on each and use a dip belt to add plates around your waist. Squat away.

This is a pretty damn challenging approach and definitely has a different feel than using dbs or the smith.