Barbell Squat vs Smith Machine Squat
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Barbell Squat and Smith Machine Squat are close in use — 26,460 vs 15,451 sessions logged. What separates them is Leg loading and form.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Squat and Smith Machine Squat and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Barbell Squat vs Smith Machine Squat: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Squat more often — 26,460 sessions compared to 15,451 for Smith Machine Squat.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Squat and Smith Machine Squat differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Barbell Squat and Smith Machine Squat Differ
| What differs | Barbell Squat | Smith Machine Squat |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 26,460 sessions | 15,451 sessions |
How to Do Barbell Squat
Barbell Squat Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Tighten your abdomen and keep your back straight, then bend at the hip to lower your buttocks down.
- 2. Allow your knees to bend naturally until your thighs are parallel to the ground.
- 3. Push strongly through the center of your feet to rise up.
- 4. As your hips rise, straighten your knees and hips in sequence, returning to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body too far forward.
- 2. Keep your chest up and engage your core to avoid bending your waist.
- 3. Don't excessively bend your waist while trying to keep it straight.
- 4. Please do not stick your hips too far back.
- 5. Make sure your feet do not lift off the ground.
- 6. When standing up, please ensure your knees do not come together.
For a full Barbell Squat guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Squat exercise guide.
How to Do Smith Machine Squat
Smith Machine Squat Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Tighten your abdomen and keep your waist straight, then bend at the hip to lower your buttocks down.
- 2. Naturally bend your knees and lower yourself until your thighs are parallel to the ground.
- 3. Push strongly through the center of your feet to rise up.
- 4. As your buttocks rise, straighten your knees and hips in sequence, and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body too far forward.
- 2. Keep your chest up and engage your core to avoid bending your back.
- 3. Don't excessively arch your back while trying to keep it straight.
- 4. Please do not stick your hips too far back.
- 5. Make sure your feet do not lift off the ground.
- 6. When standing up, please ensure your knees do not come together.
For a full Smith Machine Squat guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Squat exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Barbell Squat or Smith Machine Squat?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Leg, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Barbell Squat and Smith Machine Squat need?
Barbell Squat needs a barbell, and Smith Machine Squat needs a machine.
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