Smith Machine Squat

The squat on rails; the feet can sit further forward than under a free bar, which loads the quads harder.

Smith Machine Squat, illustrated

How to do it

Setup

Bar on the upper back, feet slightly AHEAD of the bar's line, shoulder-width.

Steps

  1. Unhook and squat to parallel or below.
  2. Let the rails carry the balance; drive through the heels.
  3. Stand and rehook with the knees soft.

Common mistakes

Feet directly under the bar: the guided path folds the knees forward; step them ahead. Bouncing off the bottom: the rails invite it; refuse. Forgetting the hooks' direction: know your unrack before loading.

Breathing

Inhale down, exhale up.