[guyfromkop2]

Originally Posted by klugman

I don't see the point. You can't use it at the meet.

bingo

[guyfromkop2]

Originally Posted by Mulletsoldier

Yeah, this is actually the other thing I use it for. I blew my knee while playing basketball when I was very young and this is the only way I can really get anything out of a squat

you'd be suprised, knee pain is mostly from form issues

[Danl4560]

I love the Smith machine, it keeps everyone out of the squat rack.

[Basso]

Originally Posted by ivydude

Not a fan of it myself, but here's an interesting EC article entitled, "10 Uses for a Smith Machine (It's not just a coat rack)."

These exercises are aimed at athletes and improving flexibility, weakpoint training, and pre-hab/rehab. Nonetheless, it's a well written, entertaining article with a nice little video of each exercise.

http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=810548

I saw that article a few weeks ago, nice twist on uses for the smith!

[Basso]

Originally Posted by Danl4560

I love the Smith machine, it keeps everyone out of the squat rack.

That's what I'm talkin' about! We only have one Rack and 2 Smith's and that rack is always empty. Today some jokers were doing shrugs in the Smith I guess that's the only way they could move 6 plates.

[natedogg]

I used a squat rack today and the only way I could do heavier squats without my knees hurting was with wraps. Are using wraps detrimental to leg development? I had a wide stance, made sure not to allow my knees to go past my toes and went to parallel as best I could. I really tried to focus on form. I'd rather do free weight squats as opposed to smith squats, but I don't want to **** my knees up doing it. Suggestions, comments?

[Danl4560]

Originally Posted by natedogg

I used a squat rack today and the only way I could do heavier squats without my knees hurting was with wraps. Are using wraps detrimental to leg development? I hade a wide stance, made sure not to allow my knees to go past my toes and went to parallel as best I could. I really tried to focus on form. I'd rather do free weight squats as opposed to smith squats, but I don't want to **** my knees up doing it. Suggestions, comments?

If you need to use knee wraps, go for it. IMO, the difference it'll make in leg development is splitting hairs.

[Basso]

Originally Posted by natedogg

I used a squat rack today and the only way I could do heavier squats without my knees hurting was with wraps. Are using wraps detrimental to leg development? I hade a wide stance, made sure not to allow my knees to go past my toes and went to parallel as best I could. I really tried to focus on form. I'd rather do free weight squats as opposed to smith squats, but I don't want to **** my knees up doing it. Suggestions, comments?

There's going to be a point where safety is the prime factor at that point you wrap your knees. The problem comes when wraps are relied upon consistently. i.e. if I'm doing speed squats or sets of 10-15 etc. The belt and wraps stay in the bag. If I'm doing heavy triples out come the wraps, If I'm going for a PR or super heavy doubles, out comes the suit and the belt.
I wouldn't worry about the knee over the foot thing, if your following good form it's not a factor. One of the biggest helps is to push your feet to the outside, this will keep your knees out. Another misconception is that going to deep is bad for your knees, when the opposite is true. Stopping a movement at half or 1/4 is more stressful to the joint than the full motion. If you don't believe this, try benching heavy(no boards or cheaters) stop at the halfway point as most do with squats. Do this continually for 4-6 weeks and let me know how your elbows are feeling. Anyway why do think most guys have little legs even though they say they squat? Well I always thought sweats sucked in the summer and I plan on making sure my Quads are bigger than my bis!

Ass to the Floor squats Rule!

[natedogg]

Back to the ole' drawing board. Basso, where in SC are you located if you don't mind me asking?

[Basso]

Sumter, are you in SC also?
If you really want some good squat tips http://www.elitefitnesssystems.com/ has several articles on squats. Dave Tate has one in there somewhere on basic form. Most are Powerlifting specific but you have to figure if a guy a can squat a truck he must know how to squat.

[guyfromkop2]

Originally Posted by natedogg

I used a squat rack today and the only way I could do heavier squats without my knees hurting was with wraps. Are using wraps detrimental to leg development? I had a wide stance, made sure not to allow my knees to go past my toes and went to parallel as best I could. I really tried to focus on form. I'd rather do free weight squats as opposed to smith squats, but I don't want to **** my knees up doing it. Suggestions, comments?

wrap those puppies up and wrap em tight. you really shouldnt be able to bend your knee without weight on your back if you wrap them right.

[natedogg]

Originally Posted by Basso

Sumter, are you in SC also?
If you really want some good squat tips http://www.elitefitnesssystems.com/ has several articles on squats. Dave Tate has one in there somewhere on basic form. Most are Powerlifting specific but you have to figure if a guy a can squat a truck he must know how to squat.

Greenville here. Thanks for the link.

[natedogg]

Originally Posted by guyfromkop2

wrap those puppies up and wrap em tight. you really shouldnt be able to bend your knee without weight on your back if you wrap them right.

I love using the wraps. Just wanted to make sure it wouldn't hinder my leg development any. I don't care about PLing numbers, but I figure if you can squat a lot, your legs have to be big.

[anadrol75]

Deep squats can be done a little safer.

[guyfromkop2]

Originally Posted by anadrol75

Deep squats can be done a little safer.

with a smith rack or wraps?

[Basso]

Originally Posted by guyfromkop2

with a smith rack or wraps?

Hopefully not both!!

[anadrol75]

I'm in Greenville also. Oh sorry, with a Smith. But that is just my opinion.

[Basso]

Originally Posted by anadrol75

Deep squats can be done a little safer.

This is were I think alot of you are moving into dangerous ground. The reason I don't like the Smith is because it is inherently more dangerous. Deep squats are probably the best example, when you are lifting a squat up the bar is fixed, it cannot move forward or rearward. When let's say you get a little leaned over or one knee falls in, etc your body will try to adjust and compensate with other muscle groups to take up the slack. In the Smith your out of luck, your knee gives way or your back, etc.

The Smith has it's uses, heavy lifting in a Smith is dumb and dangerous. But please go ahead and stay in the Smith, that way I know the Power Rack will always be free.

[natedogg]

Originally Posted by anadrol75

I'm in Greenville also. Oh sorry, with a Smith. But that is just my opinion.

Cool man. I work out at the new gym on Pelham Rd, Peak Fitness. Had worked out at Gold's/World Gym and Powerhouse before that though.