alternatives to squats?

[Fakeplastictree]

My gym doesn't have an actual squat rack and I don't want to use the Smith Machine because it just feels awkward. So I'm currently doing hack squats with a barbell. Is there a better type of squat to do that gets the benefits of regular ones? Thanks!

[bigm141414]

Front squats?

[Swinging_Jarnbjorn]

I've got the same issue. I'm presently doing dumbbell squats. It's not ideal though.

[Corbab]

Depending on the weight you're working with, you might be able to get some mileage with goblet squats. If you're on the barbell however, front squats are probably your best bet, like BigM said.

[WizardTrip]

Depending on the weight you're working with, you might be able to get some mileage with goblet squats. If you're on the barbell however, front squats are probably your best bet, like BigM said.

I was gonna suggest goblets as well depending on the weight that you're working with and how high the dumbbells go at your gym.

EDIT: For goblets, you can also double up if you use kettlebells.

[This is Seth]

No squat rack, but you have a barbell?

Zercher squats. Scare everyone else in the gym away. Or just clean to front squat.

[Fakeplastictree]

Thanks everyone!! I'll have to look up the Zercher Squat. And the whole clean to front squat thing makes me nervous. I've never had to do that.

[Fakeplastictree]

yeah we have several barbells just no rack other than the smith machine.

[macnip78]

Bulgarian Split Squats, Single Leg Squats. Both of these can work very well also

[aj_rock]

Try the Different Gym Squat.

[Gainsdalf the Whey]

Do you have a trap bar?

If you do, as you can see in the picture, these let you get down to parallel and do a dead lift with almost squat form. The drawback is that it brings grip strength into play.