Best Quadriceps Workouts With Smith Machine

The Smith Machine Squat is a beginner-friendly exercise that focuses on building strength in your thighs. The Smith Machine provides stability, helping you learn proper squat form while targeting your lower body muscles.

How to do it

1. Set the Smith machine bar just below shoulder height and grip it outside shoulder-width.
2. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and tighten your core for stability.
3. Position yourself under the bar and unhook it by squatting down slightly.
4. Stand up straight with the bar on your upper back.
5. Squat down by pushing your hips back and keeping your chest upright.
6. Ensure your knees move slightly outward as you lower down to parallel or just below it.
7. Push back up to the starting position to complete the squat.

The Smith Machine Single-Leg Split Squat is an exercise that focuses on your quadriceps while offering added stability. It helps you practice the split squat movement safely, making it ideal for beginners.

How to do it

1. Stand with one foot forward and the other foot back in a split stance.
2. Rest the Smith machine bar on your upper back and stand tall.
3. Lower your back knee toward the floor while keeping your front heel down.
4. When your back knee is just above the ground, push through your front heel to return to standing.
5. Switch legs and repeat.

The Smith Machine Pistol Squat is a beginner-friendly version of the Pistol Squat that mainly works your quadriceps. Using a Smith Machine provides stability, making it easier to maintain proper form and balance while squatting.

How to do it

1. Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart and the Smith Machine bar on your back.
2. Shift your weight to your right leg and lift your left foot off the ground.
3. Bend your right knee and lower your body into a squat, keeping your left leg raised.
4. Stop lowering when you can no longer keep your back straight.
5. Push through your right leg to return to the starting position.
6. Switch legs and repeat.