Intimidated in the free weight section :/

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Replies

  • JNick77
    JNick77 Posts: 3,783 Member
    If your gym has a squat rack? do your bench press in the squat rack. Just set the safety pins low enough to get full range of motion, but high enough that you can still crawl out if things don't go well. But I would just ask someone to spot you, it could be a good way to find a lifting partner:smile:


    If you are unsure of how to do the lifts correctly, check youtube there are a lot of good form videos on there.

    Right on.

    This is also called a Smith Machine. Helps you lift safely without a spotter.

    marcy_MWB-Smiths-Machine-bench.jpg

    Smith Machine: Not even once.

    ^

    No, not the Smith Machine. It's not the same thing by any means and can lead to more injuries then just free-benching, squatting, etc.
  • ishtar13
    ishtar13 Posts: 528 Member
    Never ever use a smith machine. Ever. Well except maybe for standing calf raises.


    It's useful for incline push ups and inverted body rows. :)

    Incline push up on the Smith: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQG6pZnm0EA
    If you aren't strong enough to do regular on the floor push ups, this is a good alternative. As you get stronger, lower the bar.

    Inverted body row on the smith: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBxqhya30NQ
    Again, as you get stronger, lower the bar, increase how far out your feet are or raise your feet on a bench.

    OP, the reason some people don't like the Smith for basic exercises is that it limits your range of motion. People don't move exactly up and down naturally. Forcing it to do so may cause injury.
  • JNick77
    JNick77 Posts: 3,783 Member
    Never ever use a smith machine. Ever. Well except maybe for standing calf raises.

    Shoot, not even that... Squatting, deadlifts, lunges take care of your calves enough.
  • Yanicka1
    Yanicka1 Posts: 4,564 Member
    Go in there as if you totally belong there. If needed fake it until you feel it.
  • JNick77
    JNick77 Posts: 3,783 Member
    If needed fake it until you feel it.

    Don't women do that normally anyway? LOL
  • Yanicka1
    Yanicka1 Posts: 4,564 Member
    If needed fake it until you feel it.

    Don't women do that normally anyway? LOL
    Then you are doing it wrong dear
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
    Never ever use a smith machine. Ever. Well except maybe for standing calf raises.

    Shoot, not even that... Squatting, deadlifts, lunges take care of your calves enough.

    I was trying to think of an excuse to use it. Inverted rows Ishtar mentioned are good, plus using the uprights to stretch, or I've been known to hang on to an upright to I can lean over and get an increased range of movement on deltoid raises.
    Er, somewhere to hang my towel?
  • ChasingSweatandTears
    ChasingSweatandTears Posts: 504 Member
    If needed fake it until you feel it.

    Don't women do that normally anyway? LOL
    Then you are doing it wrong dear


    Lol!
  • Tmsmith007
    Tmsmith007 Posts: 71
    Thanks. I too am a little intimidating by the free weights :) I want to lift correctly, cause I think that it is the number one thing to focus on at first. Again, thanks for the helpful suggestions....T
  • Tmsmith007
    Tmsmith007 Posts: 71
    Yeah, meatheads....no fun.
  • AZKristi
    AZKristi Posts: 1,801 Member
    It is intimidating to start, but I found it really isn't too bad. I'm halfway through stage 1 and I'm seeing noticeable improvements. I use the olympic barbells for my deadlifts and after a few times you get used to it. My gym has fixed weight barbells in various weights that I use for squats because I can't squat the 45 pound bar with good form for 12 or 15 reps. There are no bench presses in stage 1 so you'll have time to get used to being there before you have to do that! Deadlifts / Squats are the only barbell exercises in stage 1. You use the cable machines for seated rows and lat pull downs.

    I watched a bunch of youtube videos before deadlifting because I had never done that before.
  • zombilishious
    zombilishious Posts: 1,250 Member
    You can do it! I actually kind of enjoy the stares I get when I roll into the "big boys" section with my step, raisers and swiss ball :) (I always make sure the equipment I need is ready to go before I start, and those things are all housed in the group fitness room!)

    In return, I stare at them with a very puzzled expression every time I see them struggling with too heavy weights, bad form, and the inevitable dropsies of dumbells clanging to the floor!

    My gym doesn't have personal trainers, so I just looked up proper form on YouTube.
  • stargazer008
    stargazer008 Posts: 531
    Just get in and do it! First it may seem a bit odd but then you'll get use to it.
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