Quote Originally Posted by Hibs4185 View Post
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Never actually came across this thread before and as a regular gym goer I have no idea why!

I can squat a fair weight. In the last two years I’ve stayed away from barbells.

If you go on insta, look for the hyper trophy coach. Squatting is all about the depth and the weight and it’s doesn’t matter whether it’s a barbell, smith machine or any other machine.

Barbell squat has so many downsides that any other way to get the weight and depth is preferential.

For example you’ll ever see any big bodybuilders doing flat bench because you get past 100kg, 90% of chest injuries come from flat barbell bench.
I think you make a good point regarding squats being about depth and weight (for the most part). The issue I have with the Smith Machine is that it takes away the aspect of balance. Because the bar is fixed to a vertical axis, the muscles that would be utilized to support your balance are not being properly utilized. This is why a person can generally squat more weight on a Smith Machine as opposed to free form, not as many muscles are being activated. It's the same with the bench press. To maximize hypertrophy the barbell should be arched, but the Smith Machine doesn't allow the bar to be arched, which isn't ideal.