ExRx.net

Ok long story short at the gym last week I didn't have a workout partner so I decided to do deep squats with the smith machine. It was painful I felt pain in my knees and in my back and I only did 2 plates each side so what 195lbs? I cold only do three sets cause it hurt.

Yesterday I went with the squat rack and I did 225 lbs and I did my deep squats and I did five sets. It was tough and satisfying but I didn't feel the pain in my knees or back. Is that because the smith is...kinda like stuck where it is?

Whats everyones take on the smith compared to the squat rack or not using the smith for any workout?

I have seen others decline bench incline bench upright rows shrugs etc on the smith. I just feel that it limits range of motion and hinders you more than helps, after last week I will not use it again...


Thanks

John Corless

I never use the smith except for calf raises, but I tried it out a while back for the squat. I can normally squat 240 or so, and on the smith, the restrictive range of motion killed me and I had a hard time doing a plate on each side(60kg).

Personally, the only thing I use the smith for is - Inverted rows, those Tricep creeper/ladder things (body weight tri extensions, start low, rep out, then go higher, rep out, etc), and finally, I use them for push ups with clients who are can't do them on the floor (or can't do many).

I only use it for these because it's there. Otherwise, I think it's pretty useless... In my personal opinion, anyway.

KPj

A wise man once told me... Smith Machines were invented by someone stronger than you and if you use one they will remain stronger than you.

Glad I'm not the only one who dislikes the smith. High five people!! lol

I don't like the smith either. Except maybe for calves or letting your towels dry.

They are useful for a lot more than that! Tee shirts, socks, hats, decorative mobiles. The list is endless.

I have to disagree, i think the smith is a valuable addition to any gym.... it keeps the morons out of my power rack!!!

Do they ever do curls on the Smith?

I haven't seen anyone attempt them yet but at times there can be a queue of people waiting to squat, bench, press and even D/L (??!!!!) in the smith, all the while the rack is empty. Smith machines seem to be like humming bird feeders to the average uneducated gym rat, load up and grunt your head off, no technique required!

But more power to them i say, as it means i can warm up and jump straight into the rack, which forms the basis for a good 75% of my training!

I've seen this happen. Instead of realizing that the range of motion by the smith was no good for curls whatsoever, he basically walked and curled. Started, hands down, grasping bar. Lifted, took a step back, then at the peak, he stepped closer again.. then back, then closer, et cetera.

That would have been fun to watch. Of course, if the gym had not had a Smith, he would have been in the power rack!

So Yea no more smith machine for me except maybe if i ever get back into heavy shrugs.

Back do deep squatting i have been doing it at the power rack and it has felt a hundred times better minus the ripped shorts.

5x12 225 lbs deep squat 60 reps total by the last three on the fifth im beat love it.

I do shrugs in a rack. Just set the bars to the right height and put the barbell on it.

Roger that ironman....Sometimes I think common sense eludes me haha. I had a friend once shrugging 4 something it was crazy dudes gloves ripped.... nuts