Front Squats on Smith Machine?

**McMahon** · 01-09-2003, 05:31 PM

Would you guys recommend these? I've tried freeweight, but somehow it just feels really uncomfortable and wrecks up my shoulders. On the smith, I can not only do it comfortable, but it feels like my quads are isolated and get the best pump ever. I switched to these from regular back squats after I read a few articles on how front squats are generally better for taller people.

*WiNgS*2 · 01-10-2003, 04:15 AM

bump

**ZachG_85** · 01-10-2003, 04:20 AM

It would be hard as hell to do so, in my opinion.

The only thing I don't understand is how if they hurt your shoulders normally, they'd hurt any less on a SM?

Regardless, front squats are actually just like back squats in that you have to find the sweet spot. Don't pull your arms up to parallel with the ground, again Ronnie's video is a good idea of how to do things. Just pull your elbows out and up far enough to keep the bar along your shoulders, but below your collarbone.

**Ironman1536** · 01-10-2003, 04:44 AM

Yeah bro. The smith machine isnt all that great, free weights are always better. I dont like the grove of the smith mahcine a straight line up and down.

**Hercules_D** · 01-10-2003, 05:14 AM

Originally posted by McMahon
Would you guys recommend these? I've tried freeweight, but somehow it just feels really uncomfortable and wrecks up my shoulders. On the smith, I can not only do it comfortable, but it feels like my quads are isolated and get the best pump ever. I switched to these from regular back squats after I read a few articles on how front squats are generally better for taller people.

Well if it puts pain on your shoulder go to the machine instead.

Even though free weights are better,I wouldn't risk an injury.

**bigkid** · 01-10-2003, 09:03 AM

I used to do all the front squats on the smith. Once you figure out how unlock the bar and keep it like that while you rep, then your set. They feel real good. Give them a try and see what you think.

**Kimchi604** · 01-10-2003, 09:52 AM

i have a muscle and fitness magazine pointing out that smith machine squats have exactly the same effect as barbell squats on the Quads.. but on the stabalizer muscles its not as effect as the barbell squat.. that's pretty obvious.. but anyways the point here is to maybe start off with 4-5 sets of barbell back squats.. then do smith machine front squats after that to really isolate those quads..

**ZachG_85** · 01-10-2003, 10:10 AM

I say do freebar front squats. Hit all the stabilizers with extra emphasis on the quads.

They really aren't that hard once you find the comfort spot.

**Ulyanov** · 01-10-2003, 10:22 AM

I've done them on the smith press when the squat rack is being used, but I don't really like them. Then again, I don't really like front squats that much at all.

**ZachG_85** · 01-10-2003, 10:25 AM

Originally posted by Ulyanov
I've done them on the smith press when the squat rack is being used, but I don't really like them. Then again, I don't really like front squats that much at all.

Gasp!

Front squats are the best, bro. Once you get used to them, you realize that they hit your quads harder than anything else, and make sure you don't turn the exercise into a good-morning.

**Ulyanov** · 01-10-2003, 10:31 AM

I just use regular back squats for my quads, I don't worry about hitting specific muscles so much. I'd rather train with a limited number of exercizes that cover as many muscles as possible.

**chaos17** · 01-10-2003, 10:32 AM

every time ive done front squats ive done them on smith machine....they seem to work really good for me on the smith...but how heavy do you guys usually go on the freeweight front squats? cuz i think im gonna try those now

**John Henry** · 01-10-2003, 10:44 AM

Do olympic front squats.

**ZachG_85** · 01-10-2003, 10:46 AM

Originally posted by John Henry
Do olympic front squats.

Because of course the rack grip makes such a difference on the quads.

*WiNgS*2 · 01-10-2003, 10:46 AM

i gotta use the smith machine for all squats... no squat rack... im gonna try front squats for the first time tonight

**John Henry** · 01-10-2003, 10:49 AM

Use this grip

**ZachG_85** · 01-10-2003, 10:51 AM

Sorry, misunderstood your reason for posting the Olympic thing, JH.

hehe

Yeah that'd take a lot of pressure of the shoulders, if your wrists and elbows can handle it.

**FortifiedIron** · 01-10-2003, 11:38 AM

I do not like SM machine. The bar is fixed in a set path. They do not take into account of every person is built different. People who have often done them have complained of lower back pain and knee pain. Stick with the free weight front squats.

KC

**amusclehead** · 01-10-2003, 11:40 AM

^^do you have permission to put a link to your site in your sig? Big H is very ban happy about links to other sites without permission from Ryan

**FortifiedIron** · 01-10-2003, 11:40 AM

Originally posted by John Henry
Use this grip

Got to love them olympic lifters for doing everything how its ment to be done!

KC

**Stormrider** · 01-10-2003, 01:03 PM

Originally posted by John Henry
Use this grip

:O FREAK! That's nuts.

**FortifiedIron** · 01-10-2003, 01:09 PM

Amazing to know Olympic lifters are known for there 1000lbs squats without wraps,belt, or suit!

KC

**tygersol** · 01-10-2003, 02:28 PM

It should be fine so long as you dont go crazy heavy. Get teh form down then bump teh weight up if need be.

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