Smith Machine Front Squats

[NoWeakness]

Should I do front squats with the smith machine because I don't have a spotter and I've never actually done them before so I don't know how much weight I would be able to handle. Is there a special way I should set up?

[Kiknskreem]

You don't need a spotter to front squat... especially if you've got a rack or bumpers, or aren't lifting max weights.

If you start as light as you should not knowing how heavy to go isn't a problem.

[unity]

sounds painful to me.

EDIT: and i mean fronts on a smith sound painful.

[entropy1]

start with 135 of something and then just work your way up

[rugbyman12]

start with 135 of something and then just work your way up

I'd recommened starting lighter, its a bitch to start with. Especially if you start with the clean grip, it will tgake a fair bit of getting used to the wrist flexibility needed.

But if you start low and get used to the different movement you will build up in weight very quickly. I started around 90lbs and now repping 220lbs.

[UCONN_CSCS]

A spotter is always recommended. You dont need one as much on a smith though. I hate smiths for any kind of squatting as they don't follow your normal range of motion very well but it will work and is safer. Just make sure your feet are in the right position and eventually get out of the smith machine IMO.

[REPS-Forum-Rep]

Should I do front squats with the smith machine because I don't have a spotter and I've never actually done them before so I don't know how much weight I would be able to handle. Is there a special way I should set up?

Free weight squats are better! If the weight of the bar hurts your shoulders, you can get a front squat harness which would work. I have the one below and it is $200 but it only holds 450 LBS before it starts to bend. You could also try the manta ray front squat pad as they are only $50 or so.

[chazzy1864]

You don't need a spotter to front squat... especially if you've got a rack or bumpers, or aren't lifting max weights.

If you start as light as you should not knowing how heavy to go isn't a problem.

+1

Start with like 95lbs total or something, to get the feel for it. You really don't need a spotter at all. Keep your head up, back arched, and you sit straight down. To me, far easier to perform correctly than a back squat, just really lower the weight, and get the feel for it.

[tinyman5000]

who uses a spotter to front squat

[chazzy1864]

who uses a spotter to front squat

well I don't use a spotter for any exercise......so I don't think I'm a good person to answer that question.

[Emosh]

who uses a spotter to front squat

A beginner..

Anyway, I use smith's if I'm feeling tired or just not as focused on that day.. But hey if you get results then keep doing it..

[UCONN_CSCS]

Technically all squats should have a spotter, but that's just if you want to be safe.

[Kapisnaki]

+1

Start with like 95lbs total or something, to get the feel for it. You really don't need a spotter at all. Keep your head up, back arched, and you sit straight down. To me, far easier to perform correctly than a back squat, just really lower the weight, and get the feel for it.

Same here I find the form easier for fronts, not saying they are easy by any means just start light

[jgreystoke]

Should I do front squats with the smith machine because I don't have a spotter and I've never actually done them before so I don't know how much weight I would be able to handle. Is there a special way I should set up?

I'd say they are fine for partial front squats.

With a barbell you can go really deep, using your own natural groove, and not one forced on you by the machine. So actually safer to your knees. Also you'll hit stabilizers you didn't even know you had.

Leave your ego at the door. Start real light. You might have to stretch your hamstrings, because otherwise, when you go deep, they can pull your pelvis and force your low back to round.

Best of luck.

[scratchx]

Free weight squats are better! If the weight of the bar hurts your shoulders, you can get a front squat harness which would work. I have the one below and it is $200 but it only holds 450 LBS before it starts to bend. You could also try the manta ray front squat pad as they are only $50 or so.

Hahahahhhaaha

[HoosierBoy]

Free weight squats are better! If the weight of the bar hurts your shoulders, you can get a front squat harness which would work. I have the one below and it is $200 but it only holds 450 LBS before it starts to bend. You could also try the manta ray front squat pad as they are only $50 or so.

I have that device! Love it, except that it rips the top of my pants- the bottom of the harness digs into my upper legs and often cuts into my pants.

[Kiknskreem]

who uses a spotter to front squat

I do if I'm going heavy and not using bumpers... but its for the sake of the equipment, not to increase safety.

Technically all squats should have a spotter, but that's just if you want to be safe.

Couldn't disagree more.

[WhySoSerious?]

feel free to practise on the smith machine if you are a beginner to the exercise
especially those power exercises cause if done improperly can be harmful to back and body


later once you have built the foundation you can progress to the squat rack

[unity]

feel free to practise on the smith machine if you are a beginner to the exercise
especially those power exercises cause if done improperly can be harmful to back and body


later once you have built the foundation you can progress to the squat rack

this is really bad advice. using a smith machine is not very good for helping your learn form for squats. many times you have to actually alter from just for the smith machine. to learn better form of an exercise, do the exercise, not the machine variants.

if you want to get better at smith squats, then yes, do smith squats.