Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The Smith Machine Squat will always work your quads, glutes, and adductors, but tweak your foot position, and you can place extra emphasis right where you want it.
π₯ Quads: Standard stance for solid front-thigh focus.
π Glutes: Step your feet slightly forward to load the glutes more.
β‘ Adductors: Go wide-stance to give your inner thighs extra attention.
π² Want instant access?
Click the link in our bio and download the Strength Training App (Sign up FREE)πͺ
The Smith Machine Squat will always work your quads, glutes, and adductors, but tweak your foot position, and you can place extra emphasis right where you want it.
π₯ Quads: Standard stance for solid front-thigh focus.
π Glutes: Step your feet slightly forward to load the glutes more.
β‘ Adductors: Go wide-stance to give your inner thighs extra attention.
π² Want instant access?
Click the link in our bio and download the Strength Training App (Sign up FREE)πͺ





![ποΈββοΈπͺ ππ²π»π°π΅ π£πΏπ²ππ ππ. π£πππ΅-ππ½π: Which is better for muscle hypertrophy and strength gain? π€
A study conducted by Kikuchi and Nakazato (2017) aimed to address this question.
Participants in the push-up group had their load adjusted based on their pre-intervention 1RM bench press, ensuring consistency among participants.
Regular push-ups represented approximately 65% of body weight, while kneeling push-ups were around 50% of body weight, allowing for fair load comparisons.
Over an 8-week period, with both groups performing the protocols twice a week, participants muscle strength and hypertrophy were assessed.
The researchers measured changes in the pectoralis major, triceps, and biceps.
π π§π΅π² π³πΆπ»π±πΆπ»π΄π:
Both groups experienced muscle growth, with no significant differences in pectoralis major or triceps muscle thickness. However, the bench press group exhibited a greater increase in bicep muscle hypertrophy (8%).
According to this study, performing push-ups with a load equivalent to 40% of your one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press can be as effective as bench press exercises for building chest and triceps muscles.
Bottom line: This study aligns with other research indicating similar muscular activation in EMG between push-ups and bench press exercises.[2]π‘Of course, the biomechanics differ between these exercises, as will be discussed in another post.
At Muscle & Motion, we provide evidence-based information from professional literature to empower you to become better trainers and trainees. πͺπ
Knowledge is power! Are you ready to use your knowledge to train better?
Check out our strength training app - link in bio!βοΈ ποΈββοΈπͺ ππ²π»π°π΅ π£πΏπ²ππ ππ. π£πππ΅-ππ½π: Which is better for muscle hypertrophy and strength gain? π€](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FISh7aaSRQM/mqdefault.jpg)




