Why do lunges on the smith machine feel so awkward?

[PrettyBoyFloyd24]

I try to do lunges on the smith machine and I can't go super deep on the lunges like if I was using Dumbbells or a free weight barbell. How can I fix this problem?

[MyNameIsJonas]

The obvious answer: The smith machine is hooked into a track, Therefore you cannot reach full range of motion.

IF you are using a regular bar to do lunges it will move forward with you while placed on the shoulders.

You cannot even do a real squat on the smith machine... It's quite useless (unless you are old and cannot use anything else) The machine takes balance out of the equation as well as proper movement. It's really for people with injury or people who are rather lazy.

[PrettyBoyFloyd24]

I only use the smith to bench because honestly I feel a way better pump from it on my chest

[PrettyBoyFloyd24]

But yea fuck lunges on that machine! I don't know why so many people do it on there! I sticking to the good old barbell from now on haha

[BertMacklinFBI]

its probably because the bar doesn't move forward or back with you while you're trying to lunge. do lunges with a free weight bar and then try, you'll probably feel much more comfortable.

[PrettyBoyFloyd24]

Yea I just saw so many people at my gym do lunges on the smith machine that I wanted to try it out and boy did it suck, I felt like I wasted my time! Definitely going to do them with just a regular barbell from now on

[Justsomeguy9814]

U can't it's because with free weights ur upper body moves too and with a smith it is fixed in place because of the bar being fixed so it restricts the movement

[Klaatu51]

aren't they any other SM on yer gym? maybe this one only muight have some problem