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
"She Wants a Man, Not a Boy"
You asked her if she wanted to grab coffee. Then you asked if the time worked. Then you asked if the place was okay. Then you asked if she'd prefer tea.
Four questions. Four chances for her to say no. Four signals that you're terrified of making a decision.
Plan it. Pick the place. Pick the time. Tell her where to meet you. She'll either show up or she won't.
Either way, you look like a man instead of a scared little boy.
Smith machines
- Thread starter war_eagle
- Start date
"Nervous Around Beautiful Women? There's a Rule for That"
I could talk to any woman I wasn't attracted to. Charming, funny, relaxed. Then a gorgeous woman looked my way and I'd become a sweating, babbling mess.
The fix took me years to find and ten minutes to learn. Nervousness and excitement are the same physical state — pounding heart, adrenaline, flushed face. Your brain just picks the label. And you can pick a better one.
Rule 16 shows you how. You feel the nerves, relabel them as excitement, and let that energy pour out as enthusiasm. Women notice the guy radiating it. They always do.
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.
"So, What Do You Do for Fun?"
She asks it casually, mid-sip. And you feel the floor open up, because the honest answer is work, gym, and a couple shows you're half-watching.
Women rarely say this out loud, but a man with a life is attractive before he says a word. The guy who spent Saturday deep-sea fishing and came back with photos and a story — he walks in already interesting.
The "22 Rules" pushed me to build a life worth talking about. Turns out the fastest way to be interesting to women is to be interested in your own life first.
DIESEL
Master Don Juan
Either use dumbbells or drop the weight - spotters are overrated. They end up doing a lot of the work.Originally posted by Ricky
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.
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
Originally posted by DIESEL
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.
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.
Hey Diesel, what are free squats ? just using the bar and squatting ? Also, while squatting I have trouble adding weight without compromising form; any tips ?Originally posted by DIESEL
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.
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.Originally posted by Exodus
Hey Diesel, what are free squats ? just using the bar and squatting ? Also, while squatting I have trouble adding weight without compromising form; any tips ?
"I'm Not Looking for Anything Serious Right Now"
When a woman says it, guys hear a confession. A heads-up. A scheduling conflict.
Here's the translation: I don't feel anything. Right now. With you.
Watch what happens when a man triggers actual attraction. The busy career, the recent breakup, the "not in a place to date" — all of it evaporates instantly. The same woman who was guarding her freedom is suddenly free every night.
The "22 Rules" explain why. When the right switches flip, her timeline rearranges itself around you.
Soshyopathe
Master Don Juan
So badass he uses the Smith machine because he's afraid to squat.Originally posted by Ricky
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.