FAQ

Q. Is it true SmithShaper squats are safer on your back and knees than traditional squats? 
A.  Performing the squat exercise with good posture is critical for any age or fitness level. When using the SmithShaper® ASR (Ab Squat Roller / Rider)  or the SmithShaper® SQUATX™ and performing our Power Squat Exercise, one's back is pressed into the wall, properly aligning their spine. This eliminates the overly forward lean that sometimes occurs with traditional squats (particularly when fatigue sets in). When doing traditional stand-alone squats or squats with heavy equipment a lapse in form can increase chances of lower back pain and/or knee pain or injury. With the SmithShaper line of rolling bodyweight resistance rolling exercisers, form becomes less of an issue because the device is used against a wall. 

It's important to note that when using the ASR or SQUATX for wall squats, these devices, in conjunction with the wall, help to offset the normal load forces upon your knees and back. In the end, more targeted squat reps can be performed on a SmithShaper rolling exerciser compared to the same person doing stand-alone squats. 

The SmithShaper product line takes traditional exercises and makes them more effective, productive, and fun because you can better target specific muscle groups and perform a high number of repetitions. 


Q.  Can you strength train with the SmithShaper ASR (Ab Squat Roller / Rider)  or SQUATX?
A.  Yes.  First, free weights can be added to the flat surface of our rolling exercisers when doing floor exercises such as ab rolls and core crushers. Better yet, since the ASR and SQUATX are worn like a backpack, your hands are free which allows you to use your choice of free weights such as dumbbells for added resistance. Also, our new SQUATX™ model incorporates resistance band connections, handles, and loop resistance bands. For example, chest presses and biceps curls with band resistance are now possible when doing Squats. In addition, ab rolls, lunges, ice skaters, etc. can be performed on the SQUATX with the resistance loop bands attached. 


Q. Can kids use SmithShaper products?
A.  Absolutely. However, it's important to convey to your child how to use SmithShaper exercise products safely.  Read through the warning labels and product manual with your child so they understand how to use the SmithShaper exercise device and they realize it's not a toy. For example, the SmithShaper ASR and SQUATX devices have wheels but they are not to be sat upon or ridden. In fact, when using SmithShaper bodyweight resistance rolling exercisers positioned on the floor, always ensure and instruct others that the majority of their body weight must be on the floor, not upon the device. In other words, an appendage on the ASR or SQUATX  must be accompanied by another foot or hand on the floor.  This foot or hand on the floor is what is supporting the body of the person exercising on the SmithShaper exercise device. 
It's also important to note, that when not in use, SmithShaper exercise devices should be stored in a safe place, off of the ground.


Q. What SmithShaper exercise products can help me return to physical activity after joint injury or surgery?
A.  The SmithShaper ASR, SQUATX and TR-BAR exercisers can each be used in a low impact way. These solutions allow you to be in complete control of the movement of your recovering joint during each exercise. To return to action after recovering from ankle, knee, hip, or shoulder injuries or surgeries, it's critical to restore the joint's range of motion and to strengthen the muscles, ligaments, and tendons surrounding the injury.  For example, those recovered from labrum or rotator cuff injuries can do this by placing one or both hands on the SmithShaper ASR or SQUATX to glide arms up and down against a wall. For those working to strengthen quads, hamstrings, glutei, or thighs in order to stabilize knee or hip injuries, SmithShaper home exercise products can be used for controlled squats and other beneficial floor exercises. Always be sure to consult your doctor before starting any physical conditioning program. Also, be sure to discuss with your doctor or physical therapist any device you want to use to aid in your recovery from injury. 


Q. Can SmithShaper exercise products help to delay my eventual knee replacement surgery?
A.  Yes. Using SmithShaper exercise equipment for lower body/leg exercises can help you to strengthen all of the ligaments and muscles supporting your arthritic knee.  Actively working to strengthen these supporting structures has proven to improve mobility in a way that can indeed postpone surgery. The stronger one's leg muscles are, the better off their knees are, even if there are cartilage or osteoarthritis issues. If you choose to strengthen your legs, the SmithShaper® ASR, SQUAX, TR-BAR, or TR-BAR exercise are great choices. In addition, keeping a compression sleeve on your knee can also keep swelling to a minimum and reduce pain at the same time. 


Q. How much does the SmithShaper Ab Squat Rider weigh?
A.  Under 3 lb. 
At SmithShaper, our core mission is to provide our customers with exercise variety, durability, effectiveness, and exercise freedom. What we mean by exercise freedom, is that each SmithShaper fitness solution can be used to exercise anywhere, inside or outside. For this reason, our products are manufactured with lightweight but strong components such as carbon fiber, aluminum, ABS, and thermoplastic rubber. This enables you to place an Ab Squat Rider, SQUATX, TR-BAR, Super Pad, or SQUAT MAT in your backpack without weighing it down. By the way, even our robust 30-inch TR-BAR PLUS (resistance band training bar) can be disassembled (or reassembled) in under 5 seconds to reduce to a 16-inch length to fit in a backpack.