When your gym only has a Smiths Machine

skinnyrev2b
skinnyrev2b Posts: 400 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all, looking for some advice.
I'm a member of the public leisure centre to use the pool. I decided to do some cross training using a progressive weight training regime and thought I'd utilise the gym facilities at the pool which are included in the monthly fee.
They're well equipped with free weights including an Olympic bar and plates but don't have a squat rack - just a Smiths Machine. Should I try to do a routine on the machine or use the dumb bells for squats and get a spotter for the bar exercises?
TIA.

Replies

  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    Dumbbells :)
  • huntersvonnegut
    huntersvonnegut Posts: 1,177 Member
    Check for yourself but I’ve read too many negative things about the Smith machine.
  • PAFC84
    PAFC84 Posts: 1,871 Member
    edited September 2018
    The Smith machine works on a set path whereas your joints don't-this means that your body is having to work in a way in which it isn't designed to which is why the smith machine gets a lot of negative press (no pun intended).

    I'd avoid the smith machine and do what you can with free weights and the bar. Long term, it might be worth either finding another gym with a pool or asking the current one if they have any plans of getting a squat rack.
  • CowboySar
    CowboySar Posts: 404 Member
    I think you will find dumbells somewhat limiting on your squats. In my opinion find a gym with squat racks, however if that is not an option I would use the smith machine noting that it is not ideal
  • Mithridites
    Mithridites Posts: 600 Member
    Start with dumbbells. Once you progress beyond them, think of another gym.
  • annaskiski
    annaskiski Posts: 1,212 Member
    Squats are terrible on a Smith Machine. The path the machine tries to get you to travel is unlikely to be natural for you.

    Having said that, deadlifts, overhead press and bench press should be fine, just not ideal
  • Cbean08
    Cbean08 Posts: 1,092 Member
    Definitely no Smith Machine.

    Start with dumbbells. You can also use kettlebells. Or clean the bar to chest level, hold, and do front squats.

    Also, there is a lot that you can accomplish without doing heavy squats. I know, I said it, but the squat is not magic! Look into some other leg/glutes exercises like lunges and other variations that don't require a squat rack.
  • skinnyrev2b
    skinnyrev2b Posts: 400 Member
    Thanks for the advice guys. I'll give dumb bells a go and see what the gym say about getting a rack in in future...
  • MelmothWanders
    MelmothWanders Posts: 47 Member
    Goblet squats are a good place to start.
  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    PAFC84 wrote: »
    The Smith machine works on a set path whereas your joints don't-this means that your body is having to work in a way in which it isn't designed to which is why the smith machine gets a lot of negative press (no pun intended).

    I'd avoid the smith machine and do what you can with free weights and the bar. Long term, it might be worth either finding another gym with a pool or asking the current one if they have any plans of getting a squat rack.

    This is a good idea. It also tells them they should get a squat rack.

Categories