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Originally posted by wordski
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You didn't listen. Stay away from the smith machine. -
why?Comment
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Well, even when you get used to squatting with the smith machine, you're going to have to start the process all over again when you decide to graduate to free-standing squats. That's because the smith machine isn't nearly as effective and the two are completely different. It's just better if you start free-standing squats now with little or even no weight. Reread most of this thread. I can't explain it nearly as well as these guys can and have already.Originally posted by wordskiComment
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Its not just about your quads, or even just your legs. I real squat works the whole lower body including all of the little stabilizers. This is because you not only have to push the weight up, you have to keep it balanced and in place too. Keep in mind that at first it may hurt the back of your neck/top of your back but pretty soon you will build up some muscle there and it will be fine. Squats are my favorite even though they are probably the hardest.Originally posted by wordskiComment
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Don't stop doing the leg presses. Those are great for adding size. I do them right after squats.Comment
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how tall are you guys that are sayin dont use the smith machine? i use the smith machine everytime my quads are just fine. i do squats mostly for my outter quads thats were i lack the most and with the smith i can bring my feet closer and point my toes straight with my feet out in front of me. no one can do that with free weight. but i do agree start out with free weights and see if its for you. id did and it wasnt. and what ever you do dont use that damm sissy pad for your neck/back.Comment
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The smith allows you to place your feet at angles to hit certain areas of your legs that you can't with free base squats. I don't use the smith, but I do notice that when I have, I was able to place my feet farther out front to help hit the hams and glutes more.Comment
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Okay I see what you guys are saying,the only problem is when I tried to do free squats,it felt weird and I couldnt bend anywhere near as far as I could using the smith(almost ass to grass).Also there is no one at the gym who squats freely,hell there is never a wait for the smith machine even,so i cant ask anyone to teach me the correct form.Comment
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someone can post a link but there are tons of pics and videos around to show you the proper form. Its worth it to learn, you will get used to the stretch. I go down much further than when I first started. Keep in mind that when you start out, youre going to feel like youre going to fall over backwards. You'll get the hang of it though.Comment
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i did legs for the first time in about 3 years, and i cant even walk up and done my stairs, fuck squatsComment
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I,m 5'9". I see people in the gym using the smith for squats and it just looks like ef they ever put any real weight on they would throw out their backs. Like their feet are behind the bar almost. It almost makes me wince sometimes. X2 on the pad thing, thats what your traps are for.Originally posted by ROCKETW19Comment
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Um, no, actually your traps are for lifting your arms up. Muscles aren't supposed to be pads or cushions. I use the pad because, well, I like to. :DOriginally posted by ROCKILLERComment
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Ha ha....please note the picture in Bounder's sig. Sissys? I doubt it. :DOriginally posted by ROCKETW19Comment
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Yea, they're using a pad. They also have their heels on something while they squat which is a no-no. Those guys were one step from gods in their day but there are many things that they did that wwe dont do now thanks to better education. Honestly though, I dont think the little pad makes one bit of difference, not with any real weight on there anyways.Originally posted by babybluesComment
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its hard to tell a guy squating 845lbs to not use a pad even though i wouldnt. its a good thing i cant squat that much.Originally posted by babybluesComment
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