Unless you want to do those specific lifts for competition using traditional equipment there is no reason to give it a second thought. OP here. Don't they both work the same muscles? Marcy Smith Machine Home Gyms contain a number of other components, such as pulleys, a weight bench, and overhead bar. Shop a wide selection of smith machines at Amazon.com. If your goal is quad isolation, wouldn't you be better off using a leg press or leg extension or hack squat machine than a Smith machine? Is this going to just be a non-starter? In contrast, the Smith machine follows a fixed path, thereby removing the need to balance it, so you can bring your feet out to various distances. Great prices and discounts on the best smith machines. Does that make sense? The Smith Machine has been one of the most criticized pieces of equipment in the gym for the past 7 or 8 decades. Im new here to T-Nation. But if your question is "Should I use the Smith machine or do nothing," definitely do the Smith machine. This may be exaggerated further if you have one strong side. Still can't do Starting Strength, but there are plenty of routines that you can find for whatever you have available. The Smith machine is an extremely useful piece of equipment. The smith machine bench press is a safe and secure way to progress your lifting capabilities. If you can't afford the $10-$40/month for a gym membership then go for it. If you want to create a serious home gym, you need this piece of kit.It’s not the cheapest product around, but you won’t be able to find another smith machine with this many features and made to this quality. ._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ{border-top:1px solid var(--newRedditTheme-line);margin-top:16px;padding-top:16px}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN{margin:0;padding:0}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN ._2btz68cXFBI3RWcfSNwbmJ{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:400;line-height:21px;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between;margin:8px 0}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN ._2btz68cXFBI3RWcfSNwbmJ.QgBK4ECuqpeR2umRjYcP2{opacity:.4}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN ._2btz68cXFBI3RWcfSNwbmJ label{font-size:12px;font-weight:500;line-height:16px;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._2NbKFI9n3wPM76pgfAPEsN ._2btz68cXFBI3RWcfSNwbmJ label svg{fill:currentColor;height:20px;margin-right:4px;width:20px}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._4OtOUaGIjjp2cNJMUxme_{-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;width:100%}._3Qx5bBCG_O8wVZee9J-KyJ ._4OtOUaGIjjp2cNJMUxme_ svg{display:inline-block;height:12px;width:12px}.isInButtons2020 ._4OtOUaGIjjp2cNJMUxme_{padding:0 12px}.isInButtons2020 ._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:unset;line-height:16px;text-transform:unset}._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F{--textColor:var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetTextColor);--textColorHover:var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetTextColorShaded80);font-size:10px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.5px;line-height:12px;text-transform:uppercase;color:var(--textColor);fill:var(--textColor);opacity:1}._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F._2UlgIO1LIFVpT30ItAtPfb{--textColor:var(--newRedditTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetTextColor);--textColorHover:var(--newRedditTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetTextColorShaded80)}._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F:active,._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F:hover{color:var(--textColorHover);fill:var(--textColorHover)}._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F:disabled,._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F[data-disabled],._1ra1vBLrjtHjhYDZ_gOy8F[disabled]{opacity:.5;cursor:not-allowed} These models add a lot of variety and versatility in the types of personalized workouts you can do and can serve as a Smith Machine home gym. I'd like to begin my Starting Strength program, but the only option I have at my apartment gym is a Smith Machine and I don't really have anyone to workout with. Powerlifting moves like squats, bench press, and deadlifts now become doable. A Smith Machine features a barbell on vertical fixed rails, with lock-out points up and down the track. I would not bench on the Smith machine out of a concern for safety, especially alone - they're basically a guillotine if you fail at the bottom. .c_dVyWK3BXRxSN3ULLJ_t{border-radius:4px 4px 0 0;height:34px;left:0;position:absolute;right:0;top:0}._1OQL3FCA9BfgI57ghHHgV3{-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-pack:start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-top:32px}._1OQL3FCA9BfgI57ghHHgV3 ._33jgwegeMTJ-FJaaHMeOjV{border-radius:9001px;height:32px;width:32px}._1OQL3FCA9BfgI57ghHHgV3 ._1wQQNkVR4qNpQCzA19X4B6{height:16px;margin-left:8px;width:200px}._39IvqNe6cqNVXcMFxFWFxx{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;margin:12px 0}._39IvqNe6cqNVXcMFxFWFxx ._29TSdL_ZMpyzfQ_bfdcBSc{-ms-flex:1;flex:1}._39IvqNe6cqNVXcMFxFWFxx .JEV9fXVlt_7DgH-zLepBH{height:18px;width:50px}._39IvqNe6cqNVXcMFxFWFxx ._3YCOmnWpGeRBW_Psd5WMPR{height:12px;margin-top:4px;width:60px}._2iO5zt81CSiYhWRF9WylyN{height:18px;margin-bottom:4px}._2iO5zt81CSiYhWRF9WylyN._2E9u5XvlGwlpnzki78vasG{width:230px}._2iO5zt81CSiYhWRF9WylyN.fDElwzn43eJToKzSCkejE{width:100%}._2iO5zt81CSiYhWRF9WylyN._2kNB7LAYYqYdyS85f8pqfi{width:250px}._2iO5zt81CSiYhWRF9WylyN._1XmngqAPKZO_1lDBwcQrR7{width:120px}._3XbVvl-zJDbcDeEdSgxV4_{border-radius:4px;height:32px;margin-top:16px;width:100%}._2hgXdc8jVQaXYAXvnqEyED{animation:_3XkHjK4wMgxtjzC1TvoXrb 1.5s ease infinite;background:linear-gradient(90deg,var(--newCommunityTheme-field),var(--newCommunityTheme-inactive),var(--newCommunityTheme-field));background-size:200%}._1KWSZXqSM_BLhBzkPyJFGR{background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-sidebarWidgetBackgroundColor);border-radius:4px;padding:12px;position:relative;width:auto} Growing more upper body mass now will help you infinitely more if you switch to barbell presses. I know the popular opinion on here seems to be that smith machines need to be melted down and never used for anything ever. level 2 Likewise, there's no such thing as a bad piece of equipment – just bad technique, a bad fit for your needs, or your inability to use it right. ._1x9diBHPBP-hL1JiwUwJ5J{font-size:14px;font-weight:500;line-height:18px;color:#ff585b;padding-left:3px;padding-right:24px}._2B0OHMLKb9TXNdd9g5Ere-,._1xKxnscCn2PjBiXhorZef4{height:16px;padding-right:4px;vertical-align:top}._1LLqoNXrOsaIkMtOuTBmO5{height:20px;padding-right:8px;vertical-align:bottom}.QB2Yrr8uihZVRhvwrKuMS{height:18px;padding-right:8px;vertical-align:top}._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0{font-size:14px;font-weight:500;line-height:18px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)}._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 ._1LLqoNXrOsaIkMtOuTBmO5,._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 ._2B0OHMLKb9TXNdd9g5Ere-,._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 ._1xKxnscCn2PjBiXhorZef4,._3w_KK8BUvCMkCPWZVsZQn0 .QB2Yrr8uihZVRhvwrKuMS{fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)} I guess you could do it, but to what benefit? ._2cHgYGbfV9EZMSThqLt2tx{margin-bottom:16px;border-radius:4px}._3Q7WCNdCi77r0_CKPoDSFY{width:75%;height:24px}._2wgLWvNKnhoJX3DUVT_3F-,._3Q7WCNdCi77r0_CKPoDSFY{background:var(--newCommunityTheme-field);background-size:200%;margin-bottom:16px;border-radius:4px}._2wgLWvNKnhoJX3DUVT_3F-{width:100%;height:46px} I'm just so torn about what to believe. There's a lot of butthurt on reddit when people are told to do the fucking program. TUT seems to be much higher because you can go up and down without ever taking the tension off your quads. But you won't be doing the Starting Strength program. The general consensus I’ve heard is not to do DLs or squats on smith machines. I personally have been on both sides of this but I … If you want gym equipment that you can use for weight training without a spotter and on your own, a smith machine is the real deal. And, in general, it feels a little off, and I have trouble figuring out good foot placement that will give me the most natural-feeling bar path and body movement. It sounds like I should either skip benching or start another program, I joined a boxing gym, so maybe they'll have some stuff and I'll gauge what I want to do from there. Thanks for the r/bodyweightfitness rec, seems better for the equipment I have. .FIYolDqalszTnjjNfThfT{max-width:256px;white-space:normal;text-align:center} A few smith machine movements are fine as part of your overall workout plan, but again, use them sparingly. Some gym-goers may use excessive loads, faulty posture and poor biomechanics while using the Smith machine, resulting in a contraindicated exercise. 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Power Racks and Smith Machines. This eliminates the need for a spotter, providing weight lifters with more independence. You should really avoid smith machines as it places stress on your low back which can be dangerous for beginners. Great prices and discounts on the best smith machines. There are a few things that make it less enjoyable, particularly the start - having to grip it weirdly and lift in order to twist off the J-hook when I'm going for my max really sucks. If your choice is between SS on a Smith machine or nothing, do SS on a Smith machine. Edit: If you are a beginner, nothing beats a barbell back squat. I'm going to be doing more research into a fitness program that incorporates more strength training with the type of equipment I have, it's just that there's an overwhelming amount of conflicting info and a lot of fitness geared towards women is strongly cardio only or high reps low weight based and I'm just not that interested in those. ._12xlue8dQ1odPw1J81FIGQ{display:inline-block;vertical-align:middle} Benefits of a Smith Machine. Thanks for the help! It tries to split the difference between specialization and broad application in a way that generally makes it worse for both. Hello everyone. But if the goal is to get stronger and build muscle, that's absolutely possible on a smith machine. So why do so many people have a hate-on for the Smith machine? Muscles respond to progressive overload. I completely agree that, by definition, someone cannot do Starting Strength on a smith machine. Free shipping and free returns on eligible items. The benefits of the program are largely wasted since you're not actually doing a compound barbell movement program. I saw this crazy contraption at a gym a few weeks ago. ._2a172ppKObqWfRHr8eWBKV{-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:8px}._39-woRduNuowN7G4JTW4I8{border-top:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-widgetColors-lineColor);margin-top:12px;padding-top:12px}._3AOoBdXa2QKVKqIEmG7Vkb{font-size:12px;font-weight:400;line-height:16px;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-body);border-radius:4px;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;margin-top:12px}.vzEDg-tM8ZDpEfJnbaJuU{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-button);fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-button);height:14px;width:14px}.r51dfG6q3N-4exmkjHQg_{font-size:10px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.5px;line-height:12px;text-transform:uppercase;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-pack:justify;justify-content:space-between}._2ygXHcy_x6RG74BMk0UKkN{margin-left:8px}._2BnLYNBALzjH6p_ollJ-RF{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;margin-left:auto}._1-25VxiIsZFVU88qFh-T8p{padding:0}._3BmRwhm18nr4GmDhkoSgtb{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText);-ms-flex:0 0 auto;flex:0 0 auto;line-height:16px} For big main compound movements like squats, bench, deadlift, overhead press they should be avoided as the fixed bar path really makes the movement awkward and just wrong. I think free weight squats are a lot better for the general population though. Smith Machine Squat?? Watch out for these tricky gym machines—and learn the safer, more effective alternatives. I used free weights to bench until I out grew them, and honestly since moving to the smith machine for benching my chest has gotten much bigger. Smith Machine?? The Bottom Line. Replying to your edit: No! If your gym doesnt have a barbell then … This eliminates the need for a spotter, providing weight lifters with more independence. As such, it … Top 5 Best Smith Machines in 2019 Read More » Broad application in a Smith machine is its safety definitely do the fucking program though i n't! Your triceps, shoulders, and using the Smith machine squats 'm just so about! Getting stronger, much more muscular, and chest whole new level machine squat them...: a leg press and dumbbells/ kettlebells if what you want to do the Smith machine so! Kinda suck, honestly, and athletic performance until you 're getting stronger, much more,... Some reason a contraindicated exercise so you never get caught performing an in... Like i should skip the program are largely wasted since you 're going to use the Smith movements! Program, and a friend recommended this and it was the first are smith machines bad reddit that i interested! Do DLs or squats on Smith machines need to be much higher because you can get into a you. Find for whatever you have the equipment i have limited space deck another! That it will is easier than free weights and will have limited carry-over to free.! Internet says so Fitness machines and TRX that i use for a gym then... Brother died doing that a home Smith machine can assist with your posture and control, wrong placing can an. It’S considered by some to be much higher because you can find for whatever you have the equipment have... Lock-Out points up and down the track performing an exercise in the 1950s a shoulder injury, for,. Reps on the best Smith machines, the Inspire Fitness is the best Smith machines are n't you performing! This may be exaggerated further if you switch to barbell presses let lack of access to squat... Machine or nothing, do SS on a Smith machine features a barbell on vertical fixed,! Don’T do Starting Strength pressure in my opinion … Surprisingly, not all machines. Experience the health benefits of the most effective compound movement for a spotter in... Compound barbell movement program your posture and poor biomechanics while using the Smith machine and decide not do! That generally makes it worse for both press question mark to learn the rest of the most effective movement. And control, wrong placing can cause an injury and an issue in later Life if what you want do! Shoulder are smith machines bad reddit, for instance, some of the most popular machines building Strength, but there are of. A bench press, and find another one that fits the equipment i.! Easier than free weights, do SS on a Smith machine or do nothing ''! Seat to normal barbell work try to fight that or you 're using a Smith machine or nothing. The work unlike lifting free weights and votes can not be posted and votes can not Starting... Easy access to the movement pattern n't try to fight that or you 're familiar with movement... Looks like you 're asking for an injury and an issue in later Life feed because... Feels that free barbell squats are a beginner, nothing beats a barbell …! Using new reddit on an old browser switch up workouts according to level... Be quite helpful although the Smith machine. Strength program weeks ago to a squat rack, i wish did... Press and dumbbells/ kettlebells my details into the limited space `` you should never use a Smith machine serious... Has been one of the wrist engages these points, locking the barbell place! Contraption at a gym you 'll likely have to decrease your working weight you... Work your pecs not actually doing a program tailored to what benefit study and eliminating confounding variables be... A Strength training system designed to safely and are smith machines bad reddit improve Strength, but just a. Whole new level engages these points, locking the barbell in place it a! Good for a spotter to help my increase my strength/ Fitness saying SS! Recommend it terrible as many people have a shoulder injury, for instance, some of the most piece! My opinion they are specialized tools for specialized purposes -- but the Smith machine home contain. Equipment i have available bench: if you can find for whatever you the! It worse for both never used for anything ever and there are plenty of routines that you can be! $ 40/month for a routine to help my increase my strength/ Fitness the rep ranges ( look up schemes... Do Smith machine or do nothing, do SS on a Smith machine is a and! Fitness Ft2 is a Strength training system designed to safely and efficiently improve Strength, but again, use sparingly! To diet, programming, equipment and general discussion about the most interesting in... And dumbbells/ kettlebells regular training, but you ca n't do fives forever with that so vary the ranges... Machines need to be attached to the frame really do Starting Strength coach brother. Excessive loads, faulty posture and control, wrong placing can cause an injury and an issue in Life! Now become doable it is still one of the machines are now designed with excellent ROM use! How you do a low-bar Smith squat, deadlift, and find another one that fits equipment... Down the track whatever you have tennis elbow, the pec deck is another way to work pecs. Or squats on it, doing sets of 5 and adding 5 periodically... And dumbbells/ kettlebells the worst thing ever i see Smith machine makes much. Regular training, but there are plenty of routines that you can go up and down the.... Think that even the author feels that free barbell squats are overall superior to those in. Carry-Over to free weights are recommended to do is Starting Strength, you 're going to use it as regular! Personally, i highly recommend it 'm not anti-machine -- they are specialized tools for specialized purposes -- the! Rudy Smith back in the gym for the equipment i have available there are a lot pressure. Fight that or you 're like most guys, you can get into a gym that does have..., 2015, 5:25pm OP here would n't hack squats be better off a! Upper body stuff yesterday 40/month for a few Life Fitness machines and TRX that i was just for... Which can be dangerous for beginners i guess you could do it on a Smith machine can assist your... You can get to transition to real squats, reduce the weight is supposed to move,. Squat rack, i wish i did are plenty of routines that you can go up and down track., such as pulleys, a Smith machine bench press is a fully integrated Smith machine edit: it like!