Smith machine

rose313
rose313 Posts: 1,146 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I am starting Stronglifts and I know it is not recommended to do the program with a smith machine. My gym only has a smith machine, what should I do? I definitely will not be switching gyms, there's only one other in my area and I HATE it. Would I be okay just doing it anyway?

Replies

  • wellbert
    wellbert Posts: 3,924 Member
    Just use the smith machine for the squats. You won't get as much benefit, and the machine will force you through an unnatural motion path.
  • rose313
    rose313 Posts: 1,146 Member
    Is it something that's only a big deal when you get to heavy weights, or is it a bad idea regardless? I was so excited to start this program and now I'm confused. My home is too small to buy equipment, so I'm stuck doing it this way.
  • rose313
    rose313 Posts: 1,146 Member
    .
  • wellbert
    wellbert Posts: 3,924 Member
    You miss out on a lot of the strengthening of your 'core' and balance by using a smith machine.
    Long term use, the awkward movement could be problematic. Try it and see.
  • rose313
    rose313 Posts: 1,146 Member
    I'm starting with just the bar and probably wouldn't be able to lift a huge amount even after 12 weeks. So hopefully it will be okay. I'll try it and see. Thanks!
  • wellbert
    wellbert Posts: 3,924 Member
    I'm starting with just the bar and probably wouldn't be able to lift a huge amount even after 12 weeks. So hopefully it will be okay. I'll try it and see. Thanks!

    My wife started with the bar, and got up to 190lb squat, 215lb deadlift in about 12 weeks.

    You can do it if you push yourself, you're stronger than you think you are!!
  • joel3736
    joel3736 Posts: 55 Member
    Smith Machine is a good starting point to do squats. If your gym doesn't have a squat rack, the smith machine is the next best thing. It won't stimulate your core stabilizers and such but you can actually go heavier, so take advantage of it. But if at all possible in the future you can maybe inquire and see if the gym has any plans of getting a squat rack as it provides some more added benefits. But make do with what you got. A smith machine is doable for squats and bench press. Though it is difficult to do deadlifts with it.
  • rose313
    rose313 Posts: 1,146 Member
    Thank you, I am going to make the best of it. I do core classes so I can still build core strength in other ways. We just do it with dumbbells and individual weights instead of barbells, and it's much faster.
  • FullOfWin
    FullOfWin Posts: 1,414 Member
    google bulgarian split squats and do those instead, or start with holding dumbbells and figure something else out when that prevents progress.
  • rose313
    rose313 Posts: 1,146 Member
    google bulgarian split squats and do those instead, or start with holding dumbbells and figure something else out when that prevents progress.

    Wow those bulgarian split squats look hard! I'm up for it though!
  • Denziee
    Denziee Posts: 523 Member
    my question was exactly this too! Rose - please let me know how you get on, i also really dont want to switch gyms!

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