YB on Warpcast

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YB pfp

I enjoy smith machine squats a lot more than barbell (mainly bc easier to have good form and hit ass to grass). Any downsides to not doing barbell? As long as I’m lifting heavy and pushing, shouldn’t matter too much right?

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pal 🟪 pfp

You might ask yourself, "why is it easier", and the answer probably is that the machine is doing work that you're depriving your body from doing. Basically what everyone else is saying about missing stabilization muscle and core activation but phrased a little differently.

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Steen!!! pfp

If you have the option for barbell go with it 100%, you'll get more for your time and effort and will probably be safer. If you really prefer smith check technique! https://youtu.be/fEuYM-miK5U?si=Pq2DnR8r3WlpBjVr

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Cameron Armstrong pfp

Cameron Armstrong

Machine movements in general are just worse at replicating functional fitness irl movements You don't live your life in a single plane of movement so anything that restricts the sway/give/take of your motion isn't going to hit your muscle the same way. That said, there are plenty of good reasons to use machines.

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phil pfp

i dont think ass to grass is necessary and might be actively detrimental smith machine doesn't require lateral stability, but is great for working on form

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Tayyab - d/acc pfp

There are some muscles, many in your core that don’t get as activated either smith machine. You will get a great leg workout, but might be missing some great core gains.

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Gabriel Ayuso pfp

@gabrielayuso.eth

I did a 180° on machines vs free weights. I used to exclusively use machines mainly to be more targeted and controlled movement to avoid injury. Now I use free weights exclusively since I'm more confident in my form to avoid injury (thanks to Pilates) and because they provide a more well rounded workout.

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Varun Srinivasan pfp

Varun Srinivasan

I much prefer barbell - hits more muscle groups

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🌹 zach harris 🥀 pfp

🌹 zach harris 🥀

@zachharris.eth

Focusing on form and training muscle memory first is probably safer to start. I think the benefits of free weights is that you have to engage more stabilizing muscles, while smith machine helps to isolate the muscle development without needing that outside core stabilization.

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rish pfp

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Mac Budkowski ᵏ pfp

Mac Budkowski ᵏ

Also use the smith machine, the downside is that you won't develop as good stabilization as barbells. Same with hammer vs. bench press

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dthinks pfp

Unpopular Opinion: Most people avoid barbell squats because they suck…but their kinda supposed to suck. 😂 Ditto what others are saying. I would say a better alternative than smith machine is hack squat, leg press and surprisingly enough sumo deadlifts.

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Patrick pfp

yeah stabiliser muscles not getting worked these are the small important muscles that are integral to posture and everyday movement

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John pfp

You muscles don't know whether it's a barbell, machine, or cable, or whatever... I don't believe there is any downside if you have a good exercise variety and are pushing hard.

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