Trying to get back into squats, would like some advice...

[purbeast0]

First let me say this flat out - I'm going to be using the smith machine.

I have 2 partially herniated discs in my lower lumbar region. I have not done squats in over 2 years probably until last week.

So last week when researching, I read that the smith machine actually puts a lot less stress on your lower back than a free weight squat does. When I read that I figured I would at least start with these to see how they feel.

So I tried them last week and they actually felt good. I didn't go too heavy (just did 225 on the smith machine) and it felt pretty good.

Now here is my question. At my gym they have 2 smith machines. 1 of them is straight up/down. The other one is at a slight angle pointing backwards. Which one of those would be better and more of a natural squat position?

I've used both before in the past however I want to use the one that I would benefit better from. And again, for time being, I'm not using free weights so don't even bother telling me the differences between them. I already know free weight is a lot better for you, but like I said, I'm trying to ease into these.

Thanks.

 

[BeauJangles]

What you asked for: Both a straight and slanted smith machine are poor approximations of the real travel of a bar. I'd say use the one that feels more comfortable because neither will come close to free-weight form. I also haven't stepped on a smith machine in a long time, so I'm sure somebody here might have a more up-to-date answer.

Edit: After googling a little, people seem to like the angled ones better.

What you didn't ask for: Have you thought about front squats with free weights? When you did free-weight squats, were you high-bar or low-bar?

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: purbeast0
First let me say this flat out - I'm going to be using the smith machine.

I have 2 partially herniated discs in my lower lumbar region. I have not done squats in over 2 years probably until last week.

So last week when researching, I read that the smith machine actually puts a lot less stress on your lower back than a free weight squat does. When I read that I figured I would at least start with these to see how they feel.

So I tried them last week and they actually felt good. I didn't go too heavy (just did 225 on the smith machine) and it felt pretty good.

Now here is my question. At my gym they have 2 smith machines. 1 of them is straight up/down. The other one is at a slight angle pointing backwards. Which one of those would be better and more of a natural squat position?

I've used both before in the past however I want to use the one that I would benefit better from. And again, for time being, I'm not using free weights so don't even bother telling me the differences between them. I already know free weight is a lot better for you, but like I said, I'm trying to ease into these.

Thanks.

Has your Dr cleared you to do that kind of exercise? If not you'd be crazy to put that kind of stress on your back.

 

[conorvansmack]

Has your Dr cleared you to do that kind of exercise? If not you'd be crazy to put that kind of stress on your back.

Red Dawn's got a really good point there.
At any rate, the guy at my gym tried to start me out on a smith machine, one that tilts back a bit. The motion felt natural, but I noticed that I was cheating a bit because I was leaning back into the bar a little at the bottom instead of having it rest completely on my upper back. The bar was definitely traveling in a straight line, but I really didn't like how the backwards tilt/path enabled me to cheat.

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

the bar is not 45 on a smith machine, not at the few gyms i've been to anyway.
they feel more like 10 pounds, and have this assist to them.

 

[KoolDrew]

Have you tried front squatting?

 

[conorvansmack]

At times, the bar on the smith machine I used felt like it was easily affected by momentum. The pulleys seem to throw it up there for you. On the plus side, and from a therapy standpoint, it's better than nothing.

 

[Koing]

Consult your Dr on your back!

I have a prolapsed disc in my back and the Dr and the Consultant wanted to cut me up to operate on me!

Front squats with less weight and for more reps would be your best bet. Don't push it and take it SLOWLY. It is a pain in the ass but it has to be done mate.

Koing