Exercise Comparison
Alternate Leg Diagonal Bound vs Smith Machine Pistol Squat
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Alternate Leg Diagonal Bound
Instructions
Alternate Leg Diagonal Bound
Assume a comfortable stance with one foot slightly in front of the other.
Begin by pushing off with the front leg, driving the opposite knee forward and as high as possible before landing. Attempt to cover as much distance to each side with each bound.
It may help to use a line on the ground to guage distance from side to side.
Repeat the sequence with the other leg.
Smith Machine Pistol Squat
To begin, first set the bar to a position that best matches your height. Step under it and position the bar across the back of your shoulders.
Take the bar with your hands facing forward, unlock it and lift it off the rack by extending your legs. 3
Move one foot forward about 12 inches in front of the bar. Extend the other leg out in front of you, holding it off the ground. Look forward at all times and maintain a neutral or slightly arched spine. This will be your starting position.
Maintaining good posture, lower yourself by flexing the knee and hip, going down as far as flexibility allows.
Pause briefly at the bottom and then return to the starting position by driving through the heel of your foot, extending the knee and hip.
Verdict
Both exercises target the quadriceps. Alternate Leg Diagonal Bound is a beginner exercise using none, while Smith Machine Pistol Squat is intermediate and uses machine. Choose Alternate Leg Diagonal Bound if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Smith Machine Pistol Squat for a greater challenge.