Smith Machine One Leg Squat

The counterbalanced system in the smith machine can lead to one leg doing more work.

Smith machine one leg squat.

That s a pretty daunting list of workout potential that will keep you busy on many training sessions. Like most squats the smith machine back squat targets the quadriceps and glutes. One major difference between the barbell squat and the smith machine squat is how far you can bring your feet in front. With the barbell there is only one position feet directly under the bar.

The free weight squat is better overall for muscle activation of all leg muscles during the lift but the smith machine squat might be better for activating the glutes and hamstrings. And the sms has also been shown to allow for a greater 1 rm when compared to the fws. Assuming a lifter maintains an upright torso position in the squat the quadriceps will be used the most. Position a flat bench or some type of raised platform around 2 to 3 feet behind the smith machine your back will be to the bench.

However there were no differences in activation of trunk stabilizers between free weight and smith machine squats. In contrast the smith machine follows a fixed path thereby removing the need to balance it so you can bring your feet out to various distances. Smith machine one leg squat instructions set up for the exercise by setting the bar in a smith machine to just below shoulder height and loading the weight you want to use. Smith machines are generally more expensive than squat racks.

Where on a squat rack the weight will be spread out evenly do to the lifter balancing the barbell during lifts.