Bruises on shoulders after using the smith machine

justgowithit17
justgowithit17 Posts: 1,392 Member
edited January 10 in Fitness and Exercise
I used the smith machine to do squats on tuesday, and now I have bruises on my shoulders and my neck is kind of sore. Is this normal? I started using the machine 3 weeks ago so I'm pretty new to it, but I never got bruises before. I did up the weights, so maybe since it was heavier I used my neck and shoulders more instead of my lower body.

How long should I wait to use it again? How can I make sure this doesn't happen again? I'm going to weight lift tomorrow, but I don't think it would be a good idea to use the smith machine.

Replies

  • wellbert
    wellbert Posts: 3,924 Member

    How long should I wait to use it again? How can I make sure this doesn't happen again? I'm going to weight lift tomorrow, but I don't think it would be a good idea to use the smith machine.

    Free weights are better.

    I'm betting the bar position was off/traps weren't tight.
  • Gallowmere1984
    Gallowmere1984 Posts: 6,626 Member
    Step one: avoid the Smith machine like the plague for squats. You body doesn't move in a perfectly straight line when going up and down, and trying to force it to do so is never good.

    Step two: accept that when squatting heavy weights, you can and will have bar marks, and the occasional bruising. If it bothers you that much, make sure to use one of the bar tampons.
  • PikaKnight
    PikaKnight Posts: 34,971 Member
    I have no clue about that.

    Check out/join this group and maybe see if Sidesteel or Sarauk can answer that. DavPul, Taso and Yoovie are also other peeps that know a lot too :smile:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/10118-eat-train-progress
  • Heitor70
    Heitor70 Posts: 56 Member
    I strongly advice that you switch to the barbell machine. You will acquire a much better balance and will use the weight properly. When you do this lower the weights. I don't think that your neck should be hurting, the barbell should not rest over your neck. Continue doing squats, they are great and you will be happy to see the results, good luck!!
  • Gallowmere1984
    Gallowmere1984 Posts: 6,626 Member
    I strongly advice that you switch to the barbell machine. You will acquire a much better balance and will use the weight properly. When you do this lower the weights. I don't think that your neck should be hurting, the barbell should not rest over your neck. Continue doing squats, they are great and you will be happy to see the results, good luck!!

    The 'barbell machine' is a Smith machine.
  • Heitor70
    Heitor70 Posts: 56 Member
    [/quote]

    The 'barbell machine' is a Smith machine.
    [/quote]

    Thanks for the correction. I think what I mean is the free weights using the barbell.
  • Gallowmere1984
    Gallowmere1984 Posts: 6,626 Member
    Thanks for the correction. I think what I mean is the free weights using the barbell.

    No harm done. I definitely agree with you. The barbell just lets the body do things far more naturally.
  • jayche
    jayche Posts: 1,128 Member
    Normal if you have what I think you have (red spots/lines down where the bar rests on your back), especially if you don't squat often.
  • justgowithit17
    justgowithit17 Posts: 1,392 Member
    Normal if you have what I think you have (red spots/lines down where the bar rests on your back), especially if you don't squat often.

    yup that's it, one of the lines is purple as well.
  • jayche
    jayche Posts: 1,128 Member
    Normal if you have what I think you have (red spots/lines down where the bar rests on your back), especially if you don't squat often.

    yup that's it, one of the lines is purple as well.
    Yeah I wouldn't worry about it, it happens to just about everyone.
  • Gallowmere1984
    Gallowmere1984 Posts: 6,626 Member
    Yeap. If you don't have the bar marks, you need to add a little weight to that bar. ;)

    My wife used to get them, even when only squatting 95 lbs., and she still does.
  • vjohn04
    vjohn04 Posts: 2,276 Member
    Have you had someone check your beginning form-- ie: stance and bar placement?

    If it's correct, you may consider using the soft supports they offer. There's also a rubber shoulder comfort grip you can use, but I personally believe it encourages improper placement of the bar.
  • Nataliaho
    Nataliaho Posts: 878 Member
    Marks will always happen, bruising is common when you first start out. You will harden up:) I used to bruise lots on my collar bones when I started olympic lifting. It was a little embarrassing because people thought they were 'love bites'... I never get them any more, even lifting much heavier than when I started.
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