Smith Machine Lunge vs Barbell Lunge
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Smith Machine Lunge more often — 4,124 sessions vs 1,367. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Smith Machine Lunge and Barbell Lunge and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Smith Machine Lunge vs Barbell Lunge: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Smith Machine Lunge more often — 4,124 sessions compared to 1,367 for Barbell Lunge.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Smith Machine Lunge and Barbell Lunge differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Smith Machine Lunge and Barbell Lunge Differ
| What differs | Smith Machine Lunge | Barbell Lunge |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,124 sessions | 1,367 sessions |
How to Do Smith Machine Lunge
Smith Machine Lunge Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Please lower down until the angle of both knees is 90 degrees.
- 2. Keep your chest open and your back straight as you return to the starting position.
- 3. Complete the repetitions on one leg and then proceed to the other side.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body forward.
- 2. When bending your knees, please be careful that the knee of the foot you step forward with does not go beyond the foot.
- 3. Please ensure that your center of gravity does not lean too far forward.
For a full Smith Machine Lunge guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Lunge exercise guide.
How to Do Barbell Lunge
Barbell Lunge Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Step one foot forward and lower yourself until the angle of both knees is 90 degrees.
- 2. Keep your chest open and your back straight as you return to the starting position.
- 3. Switch legs and perform the same on the opposite side.
- 4. Proceed one side at a time or alternate between sides.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body forward.
- 2. When bending your knees, please make sure that the knee of the foot you step forward with does not go beyond the foot.
- 3. Please ensure that your center of gravity does not lean too far forward.
For a full Barbell Lunge guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Lunge exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Smith Machine Lunge or Barbell Lunge?
Planfit users log Smith Machine Lunge more often — 4,124 sessions against 1,367 for Barbell Lunge. Both train Leg, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Smith Machine Lunge and Barbell Lunge need?
Smith Machine Lunge needs a machine, and Barbell Lunge needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Smith Machine Lunge is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Lunge once your form holds up.
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