as I get older and have more issues with knees and such, I find myself using the smith a bit more. I work it into workouts here and there. Typically for incline press movements and squats since I have torn my Patella Tendon. Helps me keep better positioning. I think of it like this, if you are using a machine or any equipment and getting results, muscle activation or anything positive from it then use it to your advantage. There is nothing wrong with using a certain type of equipment if it works for you!
Originally Posted by spartan300
Bench on a smith? WHAT! Squats? BLASPHEMOUS!! What do you think, useful or useless?
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NPCDUSTY
Dusty Young
Jackson Tennessee ABC Coordinator
“I realized early on that success was tied to not giving up. Most people in this business gave up and went on to other things. If you simply didn’t give up, you would outlast the people who came in on the bus with you.”
as I get older and have more issues with knees and such, I find myself using the smith a bit more. I work it into workouts here and there. Typically for incline press movements and squats since I have torn my Patella Tendon. Helps me keep better positioning. I think of it like this, if you are using a machine or any equipment and getting results, muscle activation or anything positive from it then use it to your advantage. There is nothing wrong with using a certain type of equipment if it works for you!
Recently I've had to make some changes and using a smith was one of them. In the past I rarely used one but now I kind of rely on doing certain key movements on them. THANKS for the input! I dont feel like such a pussy now LOL!
I use them for bench, close grip, incline, seated military and single arm shrugs... I make it work and it is nice to have the spot from the machine in a pinch. It is not ideal but id rather get a lift in.
I use them for bench, close grip, incline, seated military and single arm shrugs... I make it work and it is nice to have the spot from the machine in a pinch. It is not ideal but id rather get a lift in.
Obviously ya gotta use the right tool for the job...but dudes usually hate on the Smith because they view at as a machine for moms and noobs. However, when I decided I was really gonna commit to squatting and doing full power meets, I started with the smith machine. I used the controlled plane of motion to focus on the proper movement pattern, not trying to move the weight. This helped me feel more in control and locked in for when I got a barbell on my back.
I also like it for shoulder presses after benching. Wear out the stabilizers with free weight, then press against controlled plane to wear out the larger muscles after. The slow descent of the bar in the Smith also makes it great for rowing, and that shit will murder your hamstrings if you do RDL/SLDL with it.
Again, most guys I know won’t get near the thing...but that’s their loss.
Obviously ya gotta use the right tool for the job...but dudes usually hate on the Smith because they view at as a machine for moms and noobs. However, when I decided I was really gonna commit to squatting and doing full power meets, I started with the smith machine. I used the controlled plane of motion to focus on the proper movement pattern, not trying to move the weight. This helped me feel more in control and locked in for when I got a barbell on my back.
I also like it for shoulder presses after benching. Wear out the stabilizers with free weight, then press against controlled plane to wear out the larger muscles after. The slow descent of the bar in the Smith also makes it great for rowing, and that shit will murder your hamstrings if you do RDL/SLDL with it.
Again, most guys I know won’t get near the thing...but that’s their loss.
Hearing the positives makes me feel better about having to let go. Once again I thank you Mo for responding to this post.
I think it has it's place for some diversity in accessory movements, but it's really not for me. I haven't worked out in a place that has one in a long, long time and I don't miss it.
I think it has it's place for some diversity in accessory movements, but it's really not for me. I haven't worked out in a place that has one in a long, long time and I don't miss it.
No thanks! Puts the body and joints at awkward angles and at that point you're simply risking injury; especially, with heavyish weight.
Bosu balls, handle bands, step up platforms are tools too, doesn't mean you have to use them =) If it's out of sheer boredom for the sake of switching things up, I can understand that. Just PLEASE don't tell me the smith machine is as effective as barbells and dumbbells because we all know that's an out and out lie.
No thanks! Puts the body and joints at awkward angles and at that point you're simply risking injury; especially, with heavyish weight.
Bosu balls, handle bands, step up platforms are tools too, doesn't mean you have to use them =) If it's out of sheer boredom for the sake of switching things up, I can understand that. Just PLEASE don't tell me the smith machine is as effective as barbells and dumbbells because we all know that's an out and out lie.
Not as effective but some of us have to use what we have available. As long as we are making it work for us.
No thanks! Puts the body and joints at awkward angles and at that point you're simply risking injury; especially, with heavyish weight.
Bosu balls, handle bands, step up platforms are tools too, doesn't mean you have to use them =) If it's out of sheer boredom for the sake of switching things up, I can understand that. Just PLEASE don't tell me the smith machine is as effective as barbells and dumbbells because we all know that's an out and out lie.