Dumbbell or Smith Machine

diontre840

Should I use dumbbells or smith machines? When I use dumbbells I have a better pull in my muscles rather than the Smith machine. But the smith machine allows more weight for a excersize, the dumbbells at my gym only go up to 75 pounds.

singingflutelady

Dumbbells or squat rack

hill8570

You can go a long way on dumbbells - they really require a lot from your stabilizers. I bench 5RM 160 on barbell, but only bench 5RM 45 in each hand on dumbbell.

MelissaPhippsFeagins

diontre840 wrote: »

Should I use dumbbells or smith machines? When I use dumbbells I have a better pull in my muscles rather than the Smith machine. But the smith machine allows more weight for a excersize, the dumbbells at my gym only go up to 75 pounds.

Why not a regular power rack? I use the Smith machine only as a last resort.

DavPul

Why do I have to choose one or the other?

Willbenchforcupcakes

Dumbbells or power rack/squat rack.

Mind you, I don't even have access to a smith machine anymore.

jessef593

Free weights will build the most muscle and result in greater strength gains. I know several people who have been hurt on smith machines attempting to do squats and deadlifts.

VeryKatie

If you can do more weight because it's easier, do you think you're actually doing more weight? I think the machine is doing the work.

I'd pick free weights But do pay attention to form. Quarter squats with more weight are not more impressive than a full squat at a lower weight.

ROBOTFOOD

Free weights FTW