Smith Machine Lunge vs Zercher 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 Zercher Squat and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Smith Machine Lunge vs Zercher 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 Zercher Squat.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Smith Machine Lunge and Zercher 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 Zercher Squat Differ
| What differs | Smith Machine Lunge | Zercher Squat |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 21 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 Zercher Squat
Zercher Squat Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Tighten your abdomen and keep your waist straight, then bend at the hip joint to lower your hips 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 hips rise, straighten your knees and hip joints 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 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 come off the ground.
- 6. When standing up, please ensure your knees do not come together.
For a full Zercher Squat guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Zercher Squat exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Smith Machine Lunge or Zercher Squat?
Planfit users log Smith Machine Lunge more often — 4,124 sessions against 21 for Zercher 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 Zercher Squat need?
Smith Machine Lunge needs a machine, and Zercher Squat needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Smith Machine Lunge is the easier place to start. Move to Zercher Squat once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
