Serious question about Smith machine

[Mark Rippetoe]

Rip keeps a leg press at WFAC to begin training those who are unable to barbell squat in their current state.

“It has a place in every gym who intends to do business with the general public”.

Exactimundo. Now, Tell us about your squat.

[McBee99]

Exactimundo. Now, Tell us about your squat.

Squats are great for those who like squats.

I use the leg press and focus on intensity of effort.

[Mark Rippetoe]

You are wasting this board's time and electricity. Please go away.

[mkm5]

This seems appropriate:

https://youtu.be/mvy4YH9--Vw?si=RlddRYFv4CXJrAXA

[MaximumMichael]

For me personally, I initially assumed that the Smith Machine was a hack to my poor ankle mobility, which in short allowed me to overload the simulated squat without the fear of failure, and in addition to deadlifting, I suffered a series of twinges, which I thought was being caused by heavy deadlifting all the time. However, I have forgotten the smith machine and now only barbell squat, and can you believe it....the back impingement has gone, and even one the rare occasion I forget to brace properly on the deadlift, I still don't have any issues. I never had the confidence to barbell squat because of my ridiculously long legs; however, a wider stance (I will have to gradually decrease stance as the weight increases) with squat shoes has remedied that. I am now confident I'll never go back to the smith squat. I think I was initially excited because I was able to overload my quads by keeping my back almost completely vertical, but as I infer from many sources, this was almost forcing a hyperextension. Now, after only 2 weeks, I am able to squat the same amount as the smith, and even though the depth is probably a couple of inches less, I can truly feel the glutes and quads engage, which was intermittent at best with the smith. Even though it wasn't ideal, the Smith probably worked simply because I was/am (only started 14 months ago) beginner, not because it's the perfect muscle-building exercise.

[Maybach]

Like I said: everything works okay for the first six weeks.

[Jason Donaldson]

If you get fully locked on with the SS method, just imagine your progress in another 14 months. (Less than that, even...)

[McBee99]

I would be willing to bet Chase could add 5lbs to his OHP max, be it strict or “standing bench” as some like to say, with a little intelligently programed machine work.

[Mark Rippetoe]

I get tired of asking you to explain these foolish statements.

[Jason Donaldson]

I get tired of asking you to explain these foolish statements.

Yeah, he's definitely just trying to get thrown out now.