Smith Machine

jessicalynn75
jessicalynn75 Posts: 371 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi. I recently noticed that there is a Smith Machine in the women's room of my gym. I've been doing a dumbbell routine 3x a week, but was wondering would there be any specific benefits into adding a Smith Machine routine to my weekly workouts. I've messed around with it a little this week. I'm hesitant to use barbells because I go to the gym alone. Any advice? I am trying to lose about 13 more pounds and tone up.

Replies

  • wellbert
    wellbert Posts: 3,924 Member
    Well.

    You can safely deadlift, overhead press, and squat (in a squat rack) alone.

    Smith machines force you into bad form, and it's also less effective in general.

    As far as benching goes, you can do this in a power rack and use the safeties. Or, you can leave the collars off and dump weights off each side if you have to.

    My overall opinion of smith machines is they are good for:
    a) towel racks
    b) calf raises
  • mmapags
    mmapags Posts: 8,934 Member
    Well.

    You can safely deadlift, overhead press, and squat (in a squat rack) alone.

    Smith machines force you into bad form, and it's also less effective in general.

    As far as benching goes, you can do this in a power rack and use the safeties. Or, you can leave the collars off and dump weights off each side if you have to.

    My overall opinion of smith machines is they are good for:
    a) towel racks
    b) calf raises

    Pretty much says it!
  • jessicalynn75
    jessicalynn75 Posts: 371 Member
    Ok, thanks. I will definitely use the given advice!

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