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Smith Machine Squat

StrengthBeginnerMachine

What this trains

Front and back view. The highlighted part is where this exercise works most; paler areas are helpers.

Primary: Quadriceps

Secondary: Glutes, Hamstrings

How to

  1. 1Set the bar at about shoulder height, step under it and rest it across your upper back with your feet slightly in front of your hips.
  2. 2Rotate your wrists to unhook the bar, then lower yourself by bending your knees and hips until your thighs are about parallel to the floor.
  3. 3Drive through your whole foot to stand back up, then re-hook the bar when you finish.
  4. 4Keep your chest up and your heels down; moving your feet further forward shifts more work to the glutes.