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Smith Machine Squats

skinnyguy Posts: 86 Joined: 2002/05/03	2002/05/15, 03:47 PM Does anyone know where I can get information on how to properly perform squats using the smith machine? I feel as if I am using my back too much when I move under the bar and I feel awkward when I step out a little. I also know I can do more weight, but I think my form is restricting me. <--{thanx}--> ---------------------------- Vaya con Dios... Keith
fireloard Posts: 665 Joined: 2001/03/27	2002/05/15, 03:59 PM Ft's description is pretty good but if you need more help this site is very good about info on some exercises.. http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/GluteusMaximus/SMSquat.html It even has an animation of someone performing the exercise.. hope that helps..
skinnyguy Posts: 86 Joined: 2002/05/03	2002/05/15, 04:11 PM Thats how I perform them but I feel my back doing all the work because my legs are so far forward. It makes me lean against the bar and push back insted of straight up like a normal squat. I guess its just a disadvantage of using the smith machine. -------------- Vaya con Dios... Keith
fireloard Posts: 665 Joined: 2001/03/27	2002/05/15, 04:16 PM Perhaps your feet are TOO far forward. I rarely do smith squats but from the pic I would guess that you do stand a bit in front but not too far forward.. If you see when she is at the bottom of the squat her toes are very far away from her knees.. kind of like a real squat but the machine is pretty much stablizing the weight for you...
fireloard Posts: 665 Joined: 2001/03/27	2002/05/15, 04:17 PM Err 'aren't very far from her knees'... gah.. pretty much in desperate need of an edit post button.. i've been doing a typo in almost every post lately...
rpacheco Posts: 3,770 Joined: 2001/12/13	2002/05/15, 04:57 PM I would actually prefer to do these types of squats as I can really pile on the weight compared to using free weights. I think your feet are too far forward. Your legs are supposed to take the brunt of the weight and not your back. -------------- **_Robert_** Pain is temporary; glory is forever!
skinnyguy Posts: 86 Joined: 2002/05/03	2002/05/16, 01:54 PM Yea I also think they are too far forward. I originally thought I had to keep my back in the same position(vertically straight) throught out the movement, but I guess not. -------------- Vaya con Dios... Keith
qualters Posts: 343 Joined: 2002/04/21	2002/05/16, 11:15 PM Using the smith machine to perform squats is a great was to keep your form and keep your movements uder control. You need to remember to push through with your heels and keep your feet out alittle shoulder width. On the way down your form should like and feel as if you are about to sit down in a chair or bench. ft has awesome inof on how to perform the exercises properly.