[Basso]

Just curious what you all think, my personal opinion is towel rack. I use the smith maybe 4-5 times a year for some ballistic benches or one legged squats but other than that I feel it's pretty detrimental to a workout. I'm not totally anti smith but I think a workout should not be centered around it, actually the Smith should never be more than an after thought, like any fixed machine the benefits are very small compared to the real thing.

So what do ya think?

[whunterx]

I like it. I don't have a training parthner, and sometimes it's hard to get a spot. Like
you say, you should'nt base your chest workout around it, but it can be helpful at times.

[guyfromkop2]

definately a towel rack, why use a machine when you can use free weights?

[jonny21]

It definitely has its use, IMO. I like doing wide grip military presses as well as chest presses(when w/out spotter). My gym does not have a standing calf machine and it fills in nicely.

[Beowulf]

It definitely has its uses, but I almost never use it. Like you said, it can be good for some experimental things, like one-armed plyometric training moves.

(OT, you are the Tetris master )

[guyfromkop2]

i use it to choke my bands on when i'm doing tricep pushdowns

[deadskinnys]

great when a good spot is not around

[Basso]

Originally Posted by guyfromkop2

i use it to choke my bands on when i'm doing tricep pushdowns

Great idea!

[phil216]

Very useful especially when you have no training with you. Better to be safe then sorry

[ivydude]

Not a fan of it myself, but here's an interesting EC article entitled, "10 Uses for a Smith Machine (It's not just a coat rack)."

These exercises are aimed at athletes and improving flexibility, weakpoint training, and pre-hab/rehab. Nonetheless, it's a well written, entertaining article with a nice little video of each exercise.

http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=810548

[Pitbull954]

Its good for people just getting into the game. Today at the gym I had run across the gym to get a bar off a guys chest lol maybe he should be using the smith :-)

[jonny21]

Originally Posted by Pitbull954

Its good for people just getting into the game...

yeah, like these guys.

[FINAFINAFINA]

The Smith Machine has many uses. A powerlifter may not enjoy them, however I have watched more than one professional bodybuilders use the Smith Machine to its fullest.

[Mulletsoldier]

Originally Posted by jonny21

It definitely has its use, IMO. I like doing wide grip military presses as well as chest presses(when w/out spotter). My gym does not have a standing calf machine and it fills in nicely.

My shoulder is still pretty banged up from a labral injury, so I don't mind the smith every once in awhile for some BTN Military, just so I can add on some extra poundage without fear of reinjury..jmo

[guyfromkop2]

actually i read an article a couple weeks back explaining how bad the smith machine is for your shoulders, so better watch out

[guyfromkop2]

Originally Posted by FINAFINAFINA

The Smith Machine has many uses. A powerlifter may not enjoy them, however I have watched more than one professional bodybuilders use the Smith Machine to its fullest.

this is the powerlifting part of the forum

[Mulletsoldier]

Originally Posted by guyfromkop2

actually i read an article a couple weeks back explaining how bad the smith machine is for your shoulders, so better watch out

Because of this non-use of stabilizers? I never knew that before, do you have that article because I would most definitely be interested in reading it, I do not want another injury that's for sure...

[guyfromkop2]

Originally Posted by Mulletsoldier

Because of this non-use of stabilizers? I never knew that before, do you have that article because I would most definitely be interested in reading it, I do not want another injury that's for sure...

i honestly dont know where it is, but i do remember it said because of the fixed motion it's not good for your shoulders