Smith Machine Squat vs Jump Squat
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Smith Machine Squat more often — 15,450 sessions vs 412. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Smith Machine Squat and Jump Squat and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Smith Machine Squat vs Jump Squat: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Smith Machine Squat more often — 15,450 sessions compared to 412 for Jump Squat.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Smith Machine Squat and Jump 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 Squat and Jump Squat Differ
| What differs | Smith Machine Squat | Jump Squat |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 15,450 sessions | 412 sessions |
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.
How to Do Jump Squat
Jump 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 and lower yourself until your thighs are parallel to the ground.
- 3. Push strongly through the center of your feet and jump.
- 4. After landing, 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. Please ensure your feet do not lift off the ground.
- 6. When standing up, please make sure your knees do not come together.
For a full Jump Squat guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Jump Squat exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Smith Machine Squat or Jump Squat?
Planfit users log Smith Machine Squat more often — 15,450 sessions against 412 for Jump 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 Squat and Jump Squat need?
Smith Machine Squat needs a machine, and Jump Squat needs bodyweight only.
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