it should be angled, smith machine squats can be dangerous, if done incorrectly, never put your feet more than 10 inches infront of the bar, and make sure ur form is perfect...
if you have an exercise ball (big inflatable beach ball lookin things) put that behind your ass against the wall and then squat down, rolling against the ball. it stabalises you and lets you squat higher weights so may help you
I understand that you've had knee injuries, and I'm not gonna tell you how to do your thing, but don't discount barbell squats entirely.
If you use a barbell with a relatively light weight, and go below parallel properly, you will be working all the stabilizer muscles that will help you prevent reinjury. These same muscles are being largely ignored by the smith machine and leg press.
Additionally, a great deal of research supports the idea that it is actually better for the knee joint if you squat below parallel.
I do have experience with knee injuries. I severed my ACL and tore 40% of my meniscus off 4 years ago. Since I began squatting 2 and a half years ago, my knees have never ever been a problem. I now squat 500 lbs below parallel with no supportive gear.
if you can do the squatting motion, you can do a barbell squat. your knee seems to be ok.
blakeradil 3 years ago
is he facing the right way? i see people in my gym facing the other way...
god008 3 years ago
that is the correct way with ur wrists turned back to keep safety device from hitting on the decent
KillaCamBaby 3 years ago
hey guys should you back stay perpendicular to the floor at all times or should it angle down as you squat down, if u get wat im saying
Corbettz1989 3 years ago
it should be angled, smith machine squats can be dangerous, if done incorrectly, never put your feet more than 10 inches infront of the bar, and make sure ur form is perfect...
jossyinc 3 years ago
just so you know on average the smiths machine puts 35-45 pounds on your squat and more the higher weight you do
floridaboi08 3 years ago
I think it depends on your form because I didn't need to use any more weight than normal when using the Smith.
MikeDunn 3 years ago
hey i cant squat with or without weights, what should i do pls help
prettyreshma 4 years ago
if you have an exercise ball (big inflatable beach ball lookin things) put that behind your ass against the wall and then squat down, rolling against the ball. it stabalises you and lets you squat higher weights so may help you
agrovated1 4 years ago
hi thanks mate i will give it a try
prettyreshma 4 years ago
I understand that you've had knee injuries, and I'm not gonna tell you how to do your thing, but don't discount barbell squats entirely.
If you use a barbell with a relatively light weight, and go below parallel properly, you will be working all the stabilizer muscles that will help you prevent reinjury. These same muscles are being largely ignored by the smith machine and leg press.
ottorotciv 4 years ago
Additionally, a great deal of research supports the idea that it is actually better for the knee joint if you squat below parallel.
I do have experience with knee injuries. I severed my ACL and tore 40% of my meniscus off 4 years ago. Since I began squatting 2 and a half years ago, my knees have never ever been a problem. I now squat 500 lbs below parallel with no supportive gear.
Just some things to think about.
Good luck with your training.
ottorotciv 4 years ago
i tried free weight squats but get f'd up with my balance at the bottom of the squat, smith machine locks me in, just brought one for home love it.
ThaSilverSurfer 4 years ago
I do Smith squats too - nothing beats frees but if you've suffered a leg injury in the past Smiths are great - keeps your form and balance correct!
humongojay 4 years ago
why Smith Machine, why not free weights?
Robhearn 4 years ago