11/13/2023
This is me on a Smith machine. One of the only machines in the gym I avoided like the plague because why would I want/need this, like, ever?
Welp, it’s my only option at my apartment gym, so I must confront this beast. Now I do want and need it.
But…I have been struggling for WEEKS to figure out how to squat in this stupid thing. Nothing feels good, I’m not progressing, and the effort is way, way higher than it should be based on my strength and lifting level.
I’m limited by the machine fitting my body, and no matter what adjustments I make, we are apparently not much of a fit. Exactly why I always avoided it! 😑
But, I’m not giving up squats, so that’s not an option.
As much as I want it to work, today I gave up and switched to front squats. Which, oddly enough, I usually hate and struggle with a lot more with a barbell.
VOILA.
Much smoother. Effort felt right. I wasn’t fighting with the machine. I left feeling like I finally have a path to progress.
Ideal for my training goals long term? No, not really. I need and want back squats too.
But optimal for what I have and need right now? Yes, absolutely.
We often look at training and fitness as dogmatic. Like, hey, this is the *only* way to do XYZ thing, and you’re wrong or weak or whatever if you can’t do it.
Fun fact: Not true!
There is always another way to get to the goal. There is always an adjustment to be made.
And it is always going to get you a better result to make training work for you rather than the other way around.
Don’t get caught up in absolutes when it comes to training and fitness. Life is too short to try to wedge yourself into a box your body doesn’t fit in that makes you dread it and probably causes you actual pain.
Work with what you have, and then continually reevaluate, readjust, get a coach if you need (hi! 👋 happy to help!), and never be afraid of your options.
There are basics to hit, of course, but there are unlimited ways to accomplish them. No need to impose limits on yourself when…the limit does not exist ☺️