File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
I just tried doing squats with weights that are attached to a stand. I'm wondering if I'm wasting my time doing that, compared to squatting, benching with free-weights (don't think I can deadlift with it)?

pic somewhat related, it's very similiar to what my gym has
>> Anonymous
When you use fixed weights or a machine of some sort, youre basically cheating yourself because you arent using the surrounding muscles to stabalize the weights.

tl;dr Freeweights hit more muscle groups, better workout.
>> Anonymous
bump

From what I've gathered free-weights will help build resistance for stabilizers or something? But that shouldn't be a problem for a newbie still lifting low weights?
>> Anonymous
This is where the guys who like to overload the leg press machines with every 20kg plate in the gym come from.
>> spanishbomb !!o2n54vlWHXd
The free weights will help you with balance, which is just as important as strength.
>> Anonymous
>>59168
right and wrong.

Newbies need the stabilizer workout MORE than being able to lift heavy.
>> Anonymous
They have the same thing at my university gym. I want to start doing freeweight shit (dead lifts, squatting) but I don't think I've once seen someone use the one barbell the gym has for squatting.
Actually, there is no squat rack or anything, just the rail thing as seen in OP's pic. Does that mean I have no choice?
>> spanishbomb !!o2n54vlWHXd
>>59197

You can do overhead squats and front squats. Just clean the weight. Just make sure you have the clean and jerk technique down first.
>> Anonymous
That's a Smith machine. Stay the fuck away from it. It will injure you, eventually.

Your gym has the money to invest in stupid shit like this, but can't be bothered to buy a cheap ass squat rack?

http://www.gymcor.com/bocomuprsqra.html?productid=bocomuprsqra
$500, and personally, my favorite type of squat rack. I don't like the cage style because faggots like to use them for bicep curls and pullups.
>> Anonymous
>>59184

wrong bitch

newbie needs to practice proper form so he/she doesn't fuck themselves up the day they leave the stabilizer
>> Anonymous
smith machines are bad for you. they develope strength in a very strict plane, and because of this cause what are basically repetition injuries. this also means that once you leave them you are risking injury because you are extremely weak outside of this plane. you can't compensate if you deviate from the line, and you will deviate from teh line because free squats have a different line of action than smith squats do.

so there you go.
>> Anonymous
>>59229
That is fucking stupid. How the hell do you develop form if you never need to adjust or get used to the weight?
>> Anonymous
>>59229
you can't practice barbell squat form on a smith machine
it's not the same movement
>> Anonymous
because you should have had it demonstrated beforehand
and
for at least the first set at a minimum you should have a spotter /trainer who knows what he/she is doing
and
you shouldn't be lifting at your max when you first start out
>> Anonymous
>>59251
>>59229
not quite sure what either of you are talking about. but you get used to the weight while practising form. you're an idiot if you expect to be lifting huge weights on the first day. david tate's education of a powerlifter sums it up.

you get used to weight while you practise form. and then the weight increases.
>> Anonymous
>>59254
So why do you have to start squatting your max with free weights as opposed to starting light just like any other exercise? And why can't someone demonstrate a proper squat with a barbell?
>> Anonymous
lol at huge misunderstanding

i was saying that there SHOULDN"T be a day that someone leaves the stabilizer because they shouldn't be using one in the first place... further i think all 3 of those things SHOULD happen to all beginners
>> Anonymous
in fact it looks like every single person in this thread except>>59166is of the opinion that you are setting yourself up for failure by using a fixed machine
>> Anonymous
>>59262
Then you've just misunderstood stabilizer. Squatting with free-weights = strengthens stabilizer muscles as well as target muscles. Smith machine = no.
>> Anonymous
>>59262
>>59264
Stabilizer = stabilizer muscles

ie. secondary muscles used to stabilize your body during free weight exercise.

I forgive you my child.
>> Anonymous
>>59292
huh?
>> Anonymous
I worked on a smith machine for squats for several months before I tried a regular squat rack on a whim. It's true, my balance was all out of whack.

Basically I agree with what's been said here; smith machines are ok if everything else is taken, but try to just get on a regular squat rack or find a non terrible gym if yours doesn't have one.

Oh, and I do <3 the smith machine for shoulder shrugs.
>> Anonymous
Stay away from squats.
>> RSI guy !HjbWRiSTJ.
>>59168
yes it should be. newbies most definitely need the most muscles exercised. fuck targeting for now, you don't know where to target which muscles yet.