Smith Machine Lunge vs Box Squat

Which one fits your Leg workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Smith Machine Lunge more often — 4,124 sessions vs 21. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Smith Machine Lunge and Box Squat and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.

Smith Machine Lunge vs Box 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 21 for Box Squat.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Smith Machine Lunge and Box 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 Box Squat Differ

What differsSmith Machine LungeBox Squat
Equipmenta machinea barbell
One side at a timeYesNo
Difficulty3 of 55 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users4,124 sessions21 sessions

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How to Do Smith Machine Lunge

Smith Machine Lunge demo video

Smith Machine Lunge Muscles Worked: Leg

Form

  1. 1. Please lower down until the angle of both knees is 90 degrees.
  2. 2. Keep your chest open and your back straight as you return to the starting position.
  3. 3. Complete the repetitions on one leg and then proceed to the other side.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body forward.
  2. 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. 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.

Want to learn more about Smith Machine Lunge?Exercise Guide

How to Do Box Squat

Box Squat demo video

Box Squat Muscles Worked: Leg

Form

  1. 1. Tighten your abdomen and keep your waist straight, then bend at the hips to lower your buttocks down.
  2. 2. Sit down naturally until your knees bend and you touch the prepared object.
  3. 3. Stand up by pushing strongly through the center of your feet.
  4. 4. As your buttocks rise, straighten your knees and hips in sequence, and return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body too far forward.
  2. 2. Keep your chest up and engage your core to avoid bending your waist.
  3. 3. Don't excessively bend your waist while trying to keep it straight.
  4. 4. Please do not stick your hips too far back.
  5. 5. Make sure your feet do not come off the ground.
  6. 6. When standing up, please ensure your knees do not come together.

For a full Box Squat guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Box Squat exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Box Squat?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Leg, Smith Machine Lunge or Box Squat?

Planfit users log Smith Machine Lunge more often — 4,124 sessions against 21 for Box Squat. 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 Box Squat need?

Smith Machine Lunge needs a machine, and Box Squat needs a barbell.

Which is easier to start with?

Smith Machine Lunge is the easier place to start. Move to Box Squat once your form holds up.

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