V Squat vs Smith Machine Lunge
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
V Squat is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 3. Compare Leg form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of V Squat and Smith Machine Lunge and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
V Squat vs Smith Machine Lunge: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log V Squat more often — 5,025 sessions compared to 4,124 for Smith Machine Lunge.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. V Squat and Smith Machine Lunge differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How V Squat and Smith Machine Lunge Differ
| What differs | V Squat | Smith Machine Lunge |
|---|---|---|
| Machine type | plate-loaded | Smith-machine |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 5,025 sessions | 4,124 sessions |
How to Do V Squat
V 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. Allow your knees to bend naturally until your thighs are vertical to your body.
- 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 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 V Squat guide with alternatives and benefits, see the V Squat exercise guide.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, V Squat or Smith Machine Lunge?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Leg, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do V Squat and Smith Machine Lunge need?
V Squat needs a machine, and Smith Machine Lunge needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
V Squat is the easier place to start. Move to Smith Machine Lunge once your form holds up.
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