rubber_ritchie Posted September 17, 2006 Share Posted September 17, 2006 Hi Guys, I am training without a partner and I am getting into lifting heavier weight realising how much I am holding back when benching and squatting due to safety so I have to started to use the smith machine and pushing myself a lot further. What are people's views here on the smith machine? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willpeavy Posted September 17, 2006 Share Posted September 17, 2006 I'm not a big fan of the Smith machine. I like dumbbells the best because you can go heavy without a partner and have less risk of injury, and you use more stabilizers and other muscles when you use dumbbells Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaSiren Posted September 17, 2006 Share Posted September 17, 2006 I don't like the smith machine either. It actually hurt my form. I am always sure to set my safety bars in my rack when doing squats. If I ever were to fall the hope is that the bars will catch it and I'll be clear of the collapsing weights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Odidnetne Posted September 17, 2006 Share Posted September 17, 2006 I only use a Smith machine for shoulder shrugs, I don't like it for any other exercises. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crystal Posted September 17, 2006 Share Posted September 17, 2006 Yeah, I don't like it, either. Smith machines really force me into a certain range of motion that is no good on my form or my knees. I mean, it can be good for some things, like shrugs or a variation on upright rows, but otherwise, I'm not a big fan of them . Like SeaSiren, I also just use a squat cage and set the bars to catch the weight if I fail. Benching is a little trickier, but willpeavy has a good idea with the dumbbells there. Good luck finding what works for you . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 17, 2006 Share Posted September 17, 2006 not a big fan...I had to use it in high school though since our gym had 8 of them and no regular squat racks. I did get stronger but its awkward getting full squats in since when you use a real bar your not moving the bar completely vertically Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronco Posted September 17, 2006 Share Posted September 17, 2006 Yeah, I would avoid the smith machine too. I think you'll learn pretty quickly when you can do another rep and when you can not. If you fail on the squats, you should be able to dump the bar. Probably best to avoid getting into that situation though, cause it might not be entirely non-risky.On the bench you might have to embarrase yourself by calling for help if you fail, but that wont kill you . Other options are to roll the bar down the stomach or to tip off the weights ( if you dont use locks ) . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdandrew Posted September 17, 2006 Share Posted September 17, 2006 I think it can be good and bad. It seems to make some exercises really awkward. However, having the peace of mind that if you fail on a heavy lift, you will not be crushed is kind of nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CollegeB Posted September 17, 2006 Share Posted September 17, 2006 I've used that rolling method bronco mentioned with the bench. As for the smith machine I also am not a fan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sensless Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 Most people that use the smith machine for squatting seem to end up hurting their backs. It forces/allows a movement pattern that isn't necessarily natural and also people tend to lean against the bar to deload the back, causing muscular imbalance - frequently the source of the eventual injury. Regards, Sensless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Posted September 18, 2006 Share Posted September 18, 2006 Are there any good resistance machines at the gym? They are pretty safe, and some of the newer ones allow a good range of motion and allow you to have free-er movement, not just restricted to one line of motion. Also, why can't you get anyone to spot you? Surely there must be some friendly people you can approach, like if someone is already doing bench, you can ask if they'd like to spot with you. I also recently started adding in dumbell press to my workout, and I love it and feel the difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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