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Originally Posted by Equalizer

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.

it's because you can lock the bar out quick, if you miss a rep. how close to faliur will we really go with free weight, and no spot?

it's a confidence thing...knowing that you wont die, gives you confidence.

Tweet hmmmmmmmmmmm

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Originally Posted by HungarianBeast

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.

I agree. The smith machine allows your dominant bodypart to work more while free weights prevent this.

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Originally Posted by supasaiyan99

I agree. The smith machine allows your dominant bodypart to work more while free weights prevent this.

Yeah but it allows you to push more weight if working out alone and got to absolute failure nad rest pause sets, and statics without the threat of dying

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Originally Posted by geesler

Yeah but it allows you to push more weight if working out alone and got to absolute failure nad rest pause sets, and statics without the threat of dying

I prefer Hammer machines in this respect. The levers are independent, so you do an "even" amount of work with both body parts. Also, there is no risk of dying...

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Originally Posted by HungarianBeast

I prefer Hammer machines in this respect. The levers are independent, so you do an "even" amount of work with both body parts. Also, there is no risk of dying...

Yeah those are great. I wish we had Hammer Machines in my new gym, they do have posters of young Arnold though - its an old ass powerlifter gym from the 70's, my old gym was newer and had them and I loved them. Now its all about cage or smythe machine work since I've no spotter.

Tweethammer machines are definately sweet. but i rarely go to the gym, because i refuse to wait for anything, or change my routine too much to avoid waiting for something. it trashes my program. 1-2minutes in between sets, depending on intensity, is all i can tollerate.

Tweethammer strength machines are nice . we have them here also. i usually will do squats one week on smith and the next week normal!

TweetI rotate it in for all kinds of things. Squats, front squats, stiff legs (just try it), one arm shrugs, militaries, incline press, bicep curls, etc...

I use it sparingly but I do use it to shock the muslce. The only time I use it everytime is on my leg extension/squat superset. I go straight from extensions to squats and I have to use the smith to keep from falling over from quad exhaustion. As far as the other exercises I'll use it about every 3rd or 4th workout.

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Originally Posted by T-Man007

I rotate it in for all kinds of things. Squats, front squats, stiff legs (just try it), one arm shrugs, militaries, incline press, bicep curls, etc...

I use it sparingly but I do use it to shock the muslce. The only time I use it everytime is on my leg extension/squat superset. I go straight from extensions to squats and I have to use the smith to keep from falling over from quad exhaustion. As far as the other exercises I'll use it about every 3rd or 4th workout.

Interesting! I'll have to give it a try for SLDL and bicep curls- never thought of that

Tweetthe smith machine is NO replacement for free weights in any capacity IMO. first of all, you are effectively taking your stabilizing muscles out of the movement because all you have to do is push or pull without having to balance or control the weight.

in fact, being locked in to a certain groove actually makes you more injury prone, as it may not be the natural motion for your body. add to this the fact that you can load more weight on the machine and you are just asking for it. (the second reason it is flawed).

dumbells provide the most natural range of motion, followed by barbells, followed by the smith machine/cables/machines.

if i ever use the smith machine, it is for a finishing movement, never as a core exercise.

try military pressing 185 free weight and then "185" on the smith machine. NO COMPARISON.

if you are looking to build size and strength, there will never be anything better than good old free weights.

ESPECIALLY for squats!!! god gawd man, use free weights! you will get far more out of far less...

Tweetnish- what if you have no spotter?

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Originally Posted by geesler

nish- what if you have no spotter?

either use less weight or ask somebody. works for me.

you don't need a spotter for squats anyways if you are doing them in the rack. you can always bail out.

either way, if you are looking to build mass stick with the free weights.

bicep curls on a smith machine?

show me one person who has built a serious set of wheels with smith squats, or a massive chest with smith presses who ISN'T a genetic freak.

like i said, i could see using it as a finisher or a movement for compound sets, but other than that i find the thing utterly useless and futile.