Hooks or some other gadget to solve Smith Machine problem

Gshort78
Gshort78 Posts: 13 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
My gym at work is super convenient and reasonably priced for being in a big city.

I have a 60 mile commute, and thus a lot of exposure to bad traffic. I solve this by leaving my house at 4:30am, getting to work at 5:30, using the gym for 30-40 minutes, running for an 60-75, showering, etc, and at my desk at 8:00am. Perfect system.

At the same time, I've been floundering around with strength training for the last six months and just started the Stronglifts program. Only problem is that the Smith Machine is all that's available for weight training (besides a bunch of life-fitness strength machines, dumbbells, and one barbell that sits in the corner).

I'm trying to think outside of the box - I've been staring at the Smith machine and noting that if it had a piece of metal that stuck out on both sides, I could use that as a rack...or maybe if I could add hooks that would hang from the top of the Smith frame, it would work. Sometimes I picture a square looking contraption that I could rest on the barbell of the Smith Machine and make a rack out of that..

Anyway, I know I'm not the only one with this problem - has anyone figured out something that can be easily attached and removed from a Smith Machine to allow a barbell to rest on it? The overall strength and shape of the Smith Machine makes me feel that I'm so close to having a rack, but yet I feel so far away.

Replies

  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    if you can figure out how to just take the bar off the rails you'll be good to go!!

    I saw a guy using 2 benches for safety rails. no rack- just the rails- you still gotta get under it though.
  • sandrop329
    sandrop329 Posts: 26 Member
    Find a gym with the proper equipment. Don't jerry rig.
  • Gshort78
    Gshort78 Posts: 13 Member
    Yeah, I've studied what it would take to get the bar off - Would require some disassembly and I'm sure they'd kick me out for doing it.

    The benches may be an idea (wouldn't work here because there is only one), but this makes me think of another option. If I had an easy to carry structure that I could leave in my office and carry on the elevator down to the gym..any ideas?
  • Gshort78
    Gshort78 Posts: 13 Member
    Find a gym with the proper equipment. Don't jerry rig.

    If I could find a gym 12 floors underneath my desk for $25/month, I'd be down with that.
  • just_Jennie1
    just_Jennie1 Posts: 1,233
    Find a gym with the proper equipment. Don't jerry rig.

    If you read the post you'd see that they said:
    My gym at work is super convenient and reasonably priced for being in a big city.

    OP: It doesn't sound like you'll be able to make the smith machine into a wrack unless you can detach the bar and I have a feeling they'll frown upon that LOL.
  • sandrop329
    sandrop329 Posts: 26 Member
    Find a gym with the proper equipment. Don't jerry rig.

    If I could find a gym 12 floors underneath my desk for $25/month, I'd be down with that.

    I had the same problem... very close gym with nothing but a smith machine and other equipment that didn't meet the requirements for my fitness goals. I stagnated there for several months trying to jerry rig it. Finally gave in and found a gym that offered what I needed even though I had to travel a bit further and change my schedule up. I've since seen major strength improvements and lost 15 lbs in 3 months. I'd say it was worth the tradeoff. It's all about what you're willing to do to get the results you want I guess. If you want to do stronglifts then you need a squat rack. Plain and simple. The man tells you that flat out. Do NOT use a Smith Machine. Jerry rigging is going to lead to injuries. Plus the gym you're in is likely not going to like you messing with their equipment or doing "strange things." Either find another program or find a gym that fits your needs.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    herm. maybe you could lobby for a second bench?

    otherwise- I'd start doing some serious goblet squats LOL
  • WalkingAlong
    WalkingAlong Posts: 4,926 Member
    I'm sure Strong Lifts is a great program but if you don't have the required equipment, maybe consider another program. There are great programs that don't require a squat rack or that have workaround ideas for those without one.
  • Fullsterkur_woman
    Fullsterkur_woman Posts: 2,712 Member
    herm. maybe you could lobby for a second bench?

    otherwise- I'd start doing some serious goblet squats LOL
    Yay goblet squats! Seriously, that's what I do. Back squats and I have not been getting along for a while now, so that's what I do. And yes, I'm deadlifting even at the same time I'm doing goblet squats. :wink:
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    herm. maybe you could lobby for a second bench?

    otherwise- I'd start doing some serious goblet squats LOL
    Yay goblet squats! Seriously, that's what I do. Back squats and I have not been getting along for a while now, so that's what I do. And yes, I'm deadlifting even at the same time I'm doing goblet squats. :wink:

    what sorcery is this- dead lifting AND goblet squatting?

    how do you carry the BB AND a DB at the same time?????? this is madness!!!!!!!!

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