Smith machines

[Cameron_R]

DO NOT FLAT BENCH ON A SMITH MACHINE!!!!!!!

What's the issue everyone has with Smith Machines?

Is it simply because you get 'stabilising muscles' engaged with out the guidance of the smith machine, or is there more to it?

[PeterDolan]

No, the plane of movement is different to free weight as it moves straight up and down, not back over your head

[Cameron_R]

I guess I'm not picturing it ....

The only smith machine I've seen is guided up and down, but can move sideways - so if you're benching with it, there's no reason why it could not go back behind your head??

(off topic sorry - am just curious)

[PeterDolan]

I've seen one like that too but don't think it's enough of a angle

[Pseudonym]

I've seen one like that too but don't think it's enough of a angle

You and Cameron are talking about different machines. Allow me to shed some light...

Cameron, this is your standard Smith machine. It moves on a fixed vertical runner - straight up and down, which is not always a natural movement for the exercise.

This is the machine Peter is talking about. It moves on a fixed diagonal runner. Sometimes it fits the exercise better, but it's still not natural.

And this is the machine Cameron is talking about. It's got two sets of runners,so you can move in two directions simultaneously - up and down, and front and back. It's a fantastic concept. My only complaint is that this particular model is a little bit flimsy. You wouldn't want to use it for heavy deadlifts, for instance.

[Jigga]

Other than adding more resistance horizontally I don't see how this differs from a regular bench set up in a cage? :-s

[Cameron_R]

Other than adding more resistance horizontally I don't see how this differs from a regular bench set up in a cage? :-s

Exactly!

I get where PD is coming from now I've seen the over versions though. Thanks Pseudo.

[teamfatboy]

Many of the Smith's I've used have safeties which can stop you from getting stapled, and can be used for 3-board press etc... surely there are times when it's valid to press in one ?

[drizzt]

Smith machines have their place, I've seen Supry use them to good effect at my gym with various imaginative movements he seems to pull out of thin air :pfft: But look like they would be otherwise impossible with a barbell.

I haven't used one in quite a while, but then I haven't really had anything that couldn't be done using freeweights, so there's been no need for it for my purposes :shrug:

On a side note - that 2-way smith that Pseu posted looks interesting... can't say I've ever seen one before :think:

[Dr Squat]

I haven't used one in quite a while, but then I haven't really had anything that couldn't be done using freeweights, so there's been no need for it for my purposes :shrug:

You could say that about most machines couldn't you?

I love them for shoulder work. The angle is unique and you can get a great stretch. Sure, you can do this with a barbell but the feeling is different.

Just my thoughts bro.

[vracula]

I use smith machine for my close grip bench press lets me concentrate on my triceps more

[drizzt]

You could say that about most machines couldn't you?

I love them for shoulder work. The angle is unique and you can get a great stretch. Sure, you can do this with a barbell but the feeling is different.

Just my thoughts bro.

Heh, fair point(s), Doc.

For my purposes, that is kinda what I was saying :grin: If I was training a different way (Sheiko at the moment, 5x5-type earlier this year) I'd make more use of machines/smith, for sure :nod: (I still do the odd face pull/lat pulldown/cable crunch, though :shifty: )

I get what you're saying with shoulder work, in the past I preferred shoulder work on the smith - seated press and BTN press in particular, as I felt I could go heavier without having to worry about keeping a barbell moving in a straight line :nod:

They definitely have their place 8)

[Optimass]

I use smith machine for my close grip bench press lets me concentrate on my triceps more

:nod: Good for decline bench too

[Pseudonym]

Other than adding more resistance horizontally I don't see how this differs from a regular bench set up in a cage? :-s

It eliminates the side-to-side movement, which I guess helps prevent some of the twisting that causes injuries in squats, etc. I agree there wouldn't be much point in using it for flat bench.

[oldfella]

Used it on the odd occasion for

Front squats (re michaelk)

Close grip bench

Incline bench

Decline bench

Flat bench (but this does feel odd)

Shoulder press

Shrugs

Leaning on for a rest :pfft:

If everything else is being used it's definitely an option.

[Gym rat]

I also use the smith machine for cloe grip bench press as well and from time to time.I use the smith machine for squats,incline presses,shoulder press,upright row,RDLS on the photo of the third smith machine that pseudo posted I have not see smith machine like before it looks very instreating

[Chemo]

Smith machine for life. All I got lol.

I never feel to uncomfortable doing squats in it. inclines are good to, bar throws, pull ups in between sets 8) Wouldn't mind trying cloes grip now that its been mentioned.

I think its most effective at pissing off tiny traps though.

Great tool \:D/

[michaelk]

My only complaint is that this particular model is a little bit flimsy. You wouldn't want to use it for heavy deadlifts, for instance.

I've had 240k on it, safe and sound. It feels like a transition between a regular smith machine and a barbell.

[Paul]

hi mike :dancing: :dancing:

[lazyeye]

i like using it for programmable bar heights for pressups for weak people, inverted rows, mobility drills for hips (hurdler drills esp) for a dynamic warm up.

we also hang chains off them for a low cost trx system

apart from that, i have never used or programmed an exercise in one for over 3 years

[Old Bull]

Just thought I would throw this in

10 uses for a Smith Machine

http://www.tmuscle.com/free_online_arti ... 73CD.hydra

[Best Bench]

How not to use a smith machine.

[Grover]

whats that a preview of Gymrat 3!