Fitness Tips with Chrissy Zmijewski: Smith Machine Squats

Chrissy Zmijewski (http://www.GoddessAthlete.com) demonstrates how to perform a squat on the Smith Machine to emphasize working the quadriceps and glutes!

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Weight
• Lifting
• Squats
• Butt
• Bodybuilding
• Smith
• Machine
• Glutes
• Quadriceps

[flaggedlolita]

Thanks for explaining how to use this machine.  I have always been too intimidated to try this machine.

[ChrisZFit]

@flaggedlolita Happy to help

[wubs23]

so why would i do smith machine squats instead of leg press?

both don't use the stabilizers, but leg press gives you no weaker muscles that fatigue sooner then the quads, whereas on a smith your shoulders can give out before your legs??

(not to be rude, i really don't know..)

thanks.

[ChrisZFit]

@wubs23 actually, you do use your stabilizers somewhat as your back is not supported in this exercise. This is an exercise I use with my clients who are not comfortable using a barbell to help them get the feel of the exercise first

[pupman2]

Standard barbell Squats are NOT better for you, just a lot more dangerous, so stick with the Smith Machine.

When in position to begin, FLEX your glutes tightly, as well as your core muscles, then descend. This will stabilize you and keep your back safe, and really keep pressure off the knees, AND enhance the exercise's effect on your butt. It will be a challenge at first to remember to do all that, but with practice it will become more natural. Wrap your towel round the bar as a neck cushion.

[ChrisZFit]

when you descend, you are actually stretching the glute muscles, so it is not the best plan to try to squeeze the muscle, but keeping the core tight is a definite must!

[flaggedlolita]

@Mahassiah Bet they look better than yours.

[stas11112]

thank you very informative! i was doing the squat all wrong. this video really helped, thanks again.

[brunarte]

@wubs23 Hey Chrissy I am missing your vids, please come back!

Concerning this one I'd rather not have too much glutes involvement as they will take over my quads and hams and I don't want to have a" big ass" ! - I am a male-

[Htown20XX]

Smith machines are dangerous machines will tear up your joints. Just doing shrugs I can use 500 lbs with a barbell and no pain. With a machine even with no weight it hurts like hell

[streight4lk]

generally barbell squats are better, as free weights usually are, but you do have to be careful with em so smith machines aren't bad. just not as good

[LokiNTB]

I've read that smith machines place a "shearing force" on the knees. Can you please explain his to me and is it avoidable with proper technique under the machine?

[atlasperros]

damn, you big lady....in a good way

[rebelguevara1]

This is a good way of work the muscles around the waist & legs. Those are the muscle groups needed to give the sexy feminine curves in the places they should be.

So you women look carefully