Stay away from smith machines!

chuisle

I just posted this on a group page but wanted to add it here for others.

This article says it all. I just thought I would post it since I see a lot of people mistakenly using them (I definitely used to!)

http://stronglifts.com/smith-machine-squats-power-rack-free-weights/

(there are plenty more resources echoing the same thing)

If you gym only has smith machine squat racks then do what I do: take an olympic bar from another part of the gym ( the bench press for instance, or a misc. one) and set in the smith machine rack. Use the side bars to increase safety. Then lift! You'll feel the difference.

EpiGaiaRepens

my gym has the Jones Smith Machine. Pretty much the only problem I see with it is that it balances the bar for me. I can still move in a 3d range. I don't think I can use the racks on the machine to use the Olympic bar...maybe if I leave the smith machines bar completely opposite the rack.

I will try this next time I go and see how it works!
Thanks for the tip!

antoniosmooth

ABSOLUTELY AGREE!!!

The first time I used a smith machine was the last time I used a smith machine!! Good article by the way....

chuisle

my gym has the Jones Smith Machine. Pretty much the only problem I see with it is that it balances the bar for me. I can still move in a 3d range. I don't think I can use the racks on the machine to use the Olympic bar...maybe if I leave the smith machines bar completely opposite the rack.

I will try this next time I go and see how it works!
Thanks for the tip!

I think the balance is big. There's a lot of muscles and skill involved in balancing the load (so the weight doesn't tip left of right).

I just put the smith bar up really high, or opposite high or low.

JennLifts

my gym has the Jones Smith Machine. Pretty much the only problem I see with it is that it balances the bar for me. I can still move in a 3d range. I don't think I can use the racks on the machine to use the Olympic bar...maybe if I leave the smith machines bar completely opposite the rack.

I will try this next time I go and see how it works!
Thanks for the tip!

I think the balance is big. There's a lot of muscles and skill involved in balancing the load (so the weight doesn't tip left of right).

There IS a certain smith machine like thing, which may be what she's referring to, that moves front back up and down. Those are much better than the regular one. She's right on the stabilizer muscles. But yep, free weight for the win.

UponThisRock

Hooray for absolutes.

While I agree that beginners should be perfecting the basic barbell moves, the smith machine does have its benefits, when used properly.

EpiGaiaRepens

I was all stoked that I was up to squatting 100 lbs already! Now I'm not sure how much weight to try to free weight it! I'm going to try tonight and I have my fingers crossed that I can free weight squat 100 lbs still Wish me luck!