Reviewed exercise · beginner

Smith Machine Squat

A primary squat movement for quadriceps, glutes.

Equipment

machines

Typical range

6–15 reps

Also trains

core

Set up

Position under the bar with feet where the fixed path feels balanced.

Execute

Unlock the bar and sit down through a repeatable range.

Stand smoothly and re-engage the hooks only when stable.

Coaching cues

• Own the fixed path.
• Keep pressure across the foot.

Common mistakes

• Setting the feet too close to the bar path.
• Turning the head to rack the bar.

Modify or stop when relevant discomfort is reported. Educational content does not diagnose injury.