Smokey, when has it ever been indicated that the majority was right about anything?
I would imagine the free weight supremacy concept stems from Joe Weider.
I am well aware of your extensive resume Rip. You are unmatched in the field.
What were your findings? That it only worked for 4 to 6 weeks?
I certainly hope so, and I can see progress in the few weeks I've been following it, though I sometimes itch to get to the gym more than twice per week so might add two accessory days (usually vertical rowing, bicep x 1, triceps x 1, leg extension, straight legged deadlifts, chest fly, rear delts), though I'm not sure if it is contributing or detracting. I never took squatting seriously (using the smith) until about 5 months ago but just wish I'd started earlier and had faith in the process. Yesterday I tried the smith squat for what was defo the last time in an attempt to overload it because I had a poor session the previous week, and as expected, it was defo the cause of back pain. Balance on the barbell squat is mainly the issue for me. Also, does not having big traps contribute? I am quite slender and don't have much meat on which to rest the barbell.
I will also take this opportunity to talk about the DOMS, or even immediately soreness. I believe that soreness is an excellent indicator or growth, or at least some sort of stimulation. For years, even when I've cycled 180km, my quads and glutes never get sore, even when barbell squatting a heavy load. I'm not sure if it is because I cannot activate the muscles because I'm not overloading them enough (85kg is a struggle right now) and/or the lower back is taking the hit when I'm in the hole?
Mother of God.