Smith Machine?

[L777]

yea I have to do bench presses on one of these, as I can't regularly get someone to go with...I realise this doesn't work out as many muscle groups as a 'proper' bench press...but is it that much worse? Should I change it...all my other chest exercises are done with free weights and my chest is in proportion to the rest of my body...but I'm not sure.

Any suggestions?

Cheers

 

[howardalex]

they have their uses but I believe in free weights tbh

if you pyramid, try doing your lower weight sets with free weights and have a big guy spot you for your heavier set(s)

or if he won't spot you, do the heaviest ones on the smith

edit: btw where in manchester are you? I live in bury!

 

[Warboss Alex]

I would always use dumbbells over the smith machine. These don't need a spotter so you should be good to go.

Or do barbell bench in a power rack.

 

[howardalex]

I would always use dumbbells over the smith machine. These don't need a spotter so you should be good to go.

Or do barbell bench in a power rack.

oh gaw I forgot about dumbells! good call!

 

[Call_Me_Daddy]

If you want to use the smith machine you're really asking for an injury.

 

[Kev07]

you can ask always ask a random person for a spot

 

[donjuanjovi]

they have their uses !

They make great coat racks!

 

[THE_ADDMAN]

I tried to squat with a smith machine one time. never again.

 

[Call_Me_Daddy]

I tried to squat with a smith machine one time. never again.

I tried to deadlift with a smith machine for a set.

Don't fvcking do that. EVER!

 

[donjuanjovi]

I tried to deadlift with a smith machine for a set.

Don't fvcking do that. EVER!

You tried deadlifting with a smith machine? That makes absolutley no sense.

 

[Call_Me_Daddy]

You tried deadlifting with a smith machine? That makes absolutley no sense.

I was a beginner once.

 

[donjuanjovi]

I was a beginner once.

Weren't we all

 

[smith25]

Try to avoid the smith machine at all costs! It is terrible for squatting and can lead to injury. As for benching, it is also not the best solution because it forces you to move unnaturally(when you bench you don't go exactly straight up and down).

You can do 3 things:

1. Use dumbells
2. Ask for a spot. You can easily make new friends this way and improve social skills.
3. Do weighted dips or other excersices that work the same muscles.

 

[6-heads lewis]

ya i had a bad experience too, i tried squatting a smith machine as a beginner but some jackass bolted it down. i almost threw my back out trying to get it loose.