Smith Machine Lunge vs Barbell Narrow Squat
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Smith Machine Lunge more often — 4,124 sessions vs 46. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Smith Machine Lunge and Barbell Narrow Squat and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Smith Machine Lunge vs Barbell Narrow Squat: 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 46 for Barbell Narrow Squat.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Smith Machine Lunge and Barbell Narrow Squat 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 Narrow Squat Differ
| What differs | Smith Machine Lunge | Barbell Narrow Squat |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, and glutes | quads, hamstrings, and outer thighs |
| Equipment | a machine | a barbell |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,124 sessions | 46 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 Narrow Squat
Barbell Narrow Squat Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Tighten your abdomen and keep your waist straight while bending at the hips 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.
- 4. As your buttocks 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 Narrow Squat guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Narrow Squat exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Smith Machine Lunge or Barbell Narrow Squat?
Planfit users log Smith Machine Lunge more often — 4,124 sessions against 46 for Barbell Narrow Squat. Both train Leg, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Smith Machine Lunge and Barbell Narrow Squat work the same muscles?
Not quite. Smith Machine Lunge loads quads, hamstrings, and glutes, and Barbell Narrow Squat loads quads, hamstrings, and outer thighs.
What equipment do Smith Machine Lunge and Barbell Narrow Squat need?
Smith Machine Lunge needs a machine, and Barbell Narrow Squat needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Smith Machine Lunge is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Narrow Squat once your form holds up.
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