What are your takes on smith machines. I'm thinking about using one for squats because I don't have a spotter since I work out so early. Anyways, would I lose alot of size if I used a smith machine? Also how do you use them? Any feedback would be appreciated
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Smith machines
- Thread starter war_eagle
- Start date
I use the Smith machine for squats. I like it because it eases the pressure on my back. I add the weight I want, position the bar, unhook the locks, and squat. When I get done, I lock it back up with the hooks and wait for the next set.
I've used them for squats and benching. They are safer for guys that don't have a spotter (training partner)
Frankly I think you can gain alot from it. While it doesn't completely work the stabilizer muscles as much, you can use more weight in a safer manner with the Smith machine.
Case in point, I bench more with the Smith. Part of that is because it is easier to lift since you aren't expending the energy in balancing. But even more so, I can comfortably put on more weight because of the added safety factor.
I recommend it, but I don't recommend it at the gym to people, because I like the fact that I'm one of the few that uses it!
Frankly I think you can gain alot from it. While it doesn't completely work the stabilizer muscles as much, you can use more weight in a safer manner with the Smith machine.
Case in point, I bench more with the Smith. Part of that is because it is easier to lift since you aren't expending the energy in balancing. But even more so, I can comfortably put on more weight because of the added safety factor.
I recommend it, but I don't recommend it at the gym to people, because I like the fact that I'm one of the few that uses it!
DIESEL
Master Don Juan
The Smith Machine sucks. Unless you have a legitimate injury then go free weights.
If you don't have a spotter go a little lighter. Stop being afraid of the squat it's all in your head.
If you are feeling pressure in your back, either your form sucks or your erectors are weak, the only way you are going to solve that problem is by doing free squats and deadlifts.
Ricky, the reason you can bench and squat more is because the Smith machine has a counterweight, so the barbell feels like it weighs 15lbs. not 45 lbs.
Stop being pvssies and use free weights.
If you don't have a spotter go a little lighter. Stop being afraid of the squat it's all in your head.
If you are feeling pressure in your back, either your form sucks or your erectors are weak, the only way you are going to solve that problem is by doing free squats and deadlifts.
Ricky, the reason you can bench and squat more is because the Smith machine has a counterweight, so the barbell feels like it weighs 15lbs. not 45 lbs.
Stop being pvssies and use free weights.
Diesel, I agree, but in my numbers I account for the 15 lb bar.
Free weights are better, but I prefer using the Smith. I don't want to depend on someone spotting me at 6 in the morning when the only people in there are senior citizens and hardcore badasses like me.
Free weights are better, but I prefer using the Smith. I don't want to depend on someone spotting me at 6 in the morning when the only people in there are senior citizens and hardcore badasses like me.
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DIESEL
Master Don Juan
Either use dumbbells or drop the weight - spotters are overrated. They end up doing a lot of the work.
By using the Smith machine you are cheating yourself because you can't really "bench" what you think you bench... and because the Smith machine isn't as challenging as free weights you are robbing yourself of gains and functional, raw strength.
D
Page
Master Don Juan
I've never really used anything called a smith machine, so I can't really critique it, but i do agree with what diesel said about free weights.
I always use free weights b/c i heard somewhere that free weights work both the ligaments and the muscles, whereas the machines work only the muscles without strengthing the ligaments hardly at all.
It is a different in the level of intensity.
I've done some FEA work on joints and muscles. The level of stress may be slightly lower but there still is stress, it is an unavoidable mechanical stress state.
If you have a reliable spotter, by all means use free weights.
I've done some FEA work on joints and muscles. The level of stress may be slightly lower but there still is stress, it is an unavoidable mechanical stress state.
If you have a reliable spotter, by all means use free weights.
Free squats means no machine to help you. You use a squat rack for this. If you get to a weight where you cannot use proper form to squat then the weight is too heavy. Practice your form with lighter weights until you have it right; that is about the only thing you can do.
Soshyopathe
Master Don Juan
So badass he uses the Smith machine because he's afraid to squat.