First, let me preface by saying that I know using a plain barbell is far better. However, due to circumstances beyond my control, my Planet Fitness membership is all that is available to me right now. It should also be known that I had knee surgury (tore a miniscus) many years ago, so being able to move forward safely is always on my mind.
So with the above being my current situation, is it worth using the Smith machines since I don't have access to a normal barbell?
I've been seriously going to the gym for about 2 months now, and have been doing a dumbell only workout. However, holding dumbells for squats is getting cumbersome as the weight goes up, and I'm wanting to move on to a more traditional squat routine.
So is using the Smith machine ok? Or am I better off finding a different solution? Thanks!
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Thread: Smith Machine ok for Squats?
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07-21-2017, 06:19 AM #1
Smith Machine ok for Squats?
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07-21-2017, 07:15 AM #2
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07-21-2017, 07:18 AM #3
I'm not a physio therapist or a coach so i really can't comment on if you should. I'd probably say no but who am i to say what you can and can't handle. I don't know your body or limitations. What i do know is if i was in your position i would try what works and what doesn't.
Do they not have a leg press? One of the best mass builders other than squat. Use it.
You just gotta do what you gotta do and figure out what works but being reasonable and objective with what you can handle especially since you've only got two months of experience which is nothing. Just really want to stress being reasonable but not avoid exercises which could potentially work out for you and for you not to try them and miss out on potential gains because you're too scared to try. There's a middle ground some where that only you will know in time.
Have you tried belt squats? Great for overloading legs and not have any load on your back. Just need a weight belt for the plates and i'm sure your gym has one and two plyo boxes for you to use as your platform. Adjust depth if you need to with the platforms.
I'm assuming your primary goal is muscle growth and strength is secondary? Try this instead of smith machine along with your other leg exercises that hit your quads, hams and glutes properly.
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07-21-2017, 08:11 AM #4No brain, no gain.
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07-21-2017, 08:14 AM #5
My current goal is fat loss while maintaining muscle. After that my goal will be size to fill out properly and not look like a stick.
I let my body slide after I got out of the military, and I did football before that. So I'm no stranger to working out, just so far out of practice that I need to consider myself in the beginner category.
And to be clear, at my planet fitness, there is not a single squat rack of any kind, and not a single full size barbell anywhere in the facility.
Those belt squats look interesting, though with the place being planet fitness, I worry if they would make me stop doing it. I haven't seen a single belt since I started (been going 5 days a week M-F), though the "Lunk" alarm hasn't gone off yet either.
Interesting that I'm intimidated by the place that prides itself on no intimidation.
EDIT: I wasn't looking for advice for my knee, it's generally a non issue, I only mentioned it as a precaution for people that want to comment.Last edited by Drashnar; 07-21-2017 at 08:43 AM.
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07-21-2017, 03:08 PM #6
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07-23-2017, 04:21 PM #7
- Join Date: Jul 2017
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Use the smith machine as it's better than nothing, however there are other exercises you can do with dumbbells, if you feel comfortable.
For example: Bulgarian split squats, dumbbell lunges, frog squats...there are many more just find what works for you.'Live Life One Rep At A Time'
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