To Squat via free weights or Smith machine?
Some trainers have their clients believe that it’s best to squat using a smith machine over free weights because less chance of back injury. Myself, having had back surgery many years ago, later went on to squat free weights with 545lb for sets of 6 to 8 reps without any recurring back injuries.
Yes, if you use bad form in any exercise then you run the risk for an injury. According to studies conducted at the University of Saskatchewan free weight squats are more neutral and require greater use of the trunk muscles. Activation in the lower body muscle were 45 % greater when doing free squats compared to smith machine squats. Smith squats cause your body to work more thru a single plane.
So if you’re looking to add mass or tone up those legs don’t be shy around the squat rack. Just remember to maintain good form over the amount of weight you’re using to ensure you remain injury free to get the best results.
Tags: back injuries, exercise, free squats, free weight squats, free weights, freeweights, mass, muscle mass, muscles, smith machine, smith machine squats, smithmachine, squat rack, squats, tone up, weight
I am definitely not an expert like you, but I completely agree. When I get asked questions by younger guys in the gym I try to stress to them that form, controlling the weight not letting the weight control you is so much more important than how much you are lifting. I try to encourage them to leave their ego at home and concentrate on getting the most out of their workouts. I also am well aware that I do not have perfect form in all lifts and ask my lifting partner and other guys in the gym pretty often to critique my form. I have read a lot about the mind-muscle connection, and really try to live by that. Sorry for the babbling, especially when I was just commenting on your blog. Lol.
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