Smith machine....who uses?

[Equalizer]

I use the smith machine for squats and that is it.....some people say that you are cheating by using it but I dont see how, I mean actually it keeps you from using your stronger side to pick up when you may be lagging on the weaker. I stick with barbells and dumbells for everything else but I like doing my squats on the Smith machine for not only what I mentioned already but also becuase it gives you some security too so maybe you can add a little more weight then usual and press away. What do you all think????

[Skarhead]

Re: Smith machine....who uses?

smythe is good for R/P sets

[daved150]

Re: Smith machine....who uses?

I USE IT FOR INCLINE PRESSES..I'VE DONE FRONT SQUATS WITH IT, AND SHOULDER PRESSES ALSO.

[edvedr]

Re: Smith machine....who uses?

yes i had too sometimes cause of the pain in my wrist. free weights would stress it too much from havin to stableize it. hopefully that won't be the case when i'm healed

[Equalizer]

Re: Smith machine....who uses?

I lied I use it for military presses as well.....

[SUGARBABY]

Re: Smith machine....who uses?

I don't ever use it, even for squats...

If I start plie squats, I will

[SMILEY FACE]

Re: Smith machine....who uses?

on chest days, i alternate one week wt smith and one week wt normal barbell free

[edvedr]

Re: Smith machine....who uses?

reverse grip bench i always do on smith cause i'm afraid i'll drop it on my head

[Iron_Gook]

Re: Smith machine....who uses?

I use it sparingly. But not one of my favorite machines to use. I prefer a regular free squat as opposed to one done on the smith machine. You get more out of the free squat.

IG

[geesler]

Re: Smith machine....who uses?

smythe is good for R/P sets

yes it is for sure I now use it for flat bench, incline bench, rev. grip press, and squats. I would use it for military presses too but I do those in the cage and set the bars on the rack just lower than shoulder height.

[chaos]

Re: Smith machine....who uses?

i work out alone at home. i use my smith A LOT!. i feel that i can lift much heavier, much safer. i mix in free bar lifts as well.

[Equalizer]

Re: Smith machine....who uses?

why is that you can lift more? does the bar weigh less or is it because of some kind of cheat it gives you or what? I always assumed it was because it was designed to give you some kind of added leverage(sp?) when lifting......I love it for squats cuzz I can get heavy weight with perfect form.

[HungarianBeast]

Re: Smith machine....who uses?

I mean actually it keeps you from using your stronger side to pick up when you may be lagging on the weaker.

Actually, you can use your stronger side more while pressing (military, chest, etc...). Try this... get into a shoulder press stance with no weight on the bar. Press the bar with both arms. Now, remove one hand without changing its position on the bar, and press. You can still press with one arm. Try that with just a barbell... It will not work. Free weights prevent you from using a dominant arm (or leg) more, not the smith machine.

[kite]

Re: Smith machine....who uses?

I use it for military press, and shrugs.

[Iron_Gook]

Re: Smith machine....who uses?

why is that you can lift more? does the bar weigh less or is it because of some kind of cheat it gives you or what? I always assumed it was because it was designed to give you some kind of added leverage(sp?) when lifting......I love it for squats cuzz I can get heavy weight with perfect form.

You can lift more on a smith machine because the bar is lighter. Depending upon the make/model of your smith machine. I've been told that the weight of the bar can differ from 10-20lbs. Additionally, you have to realize that with a smith machine you are pressing in a two dimentional plane. Meaning your locked into a set grove or track. Where as in a free weighted movement your moving the weights in a three dimentional plane. Thereby, forcing you to utilize more primary and secondary muscles to not only move the weight but stablize the weight as it travels. Exercises that require you to move your body through space (i.e. squats, dips, pull-ups, chins, etc...) are more difficult to perform because they demand more muscles to be used to help not only move the weight but control/stablize it. My 2 cents.

IG