Smith Machine or Freeweights?

Depends on the exercise among other issues like injuries. Some people like to keep switching it up. When it comes down to it, it's lifting weights and if you only have access to smith machines, use em.
 
I integrate some smith machines occasionally, but if you want to know which is better.... free weights are better hands down, both on your joints, and for building mass.:thumbsup:
 
Several lifters have stated they like smiths if they're looking to hit something specific and keep other muscles from kicking in so much. /shrug I usually stay away from smiths for the most part but I have used them for reverse shrugs and upright rows
 
i dont care for smiths because it eliminates the stabalizing muscles. i do use them for an occassional drop set though
 
blackrhino1 said:
Which is better for building muscle? I've heard differnt point of views on each.
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If your moving weight your tearing down muscle fiber and they will be repaired. So if you know what machine, or weight, is working what muscle(s) then you can base your decision on that.
 
as have been said before, they both have a place in the routine. depends on you and how they work for you
 
if your goal is to get bigger and look better, then smith machines are perfectly fine. develping stabily muscles doesnt necesarily(cant spell) make you muscles grow faster. you never hear anyone say "whoa that guys got some huge stabilizers"

i dont know if that made any sense to you but if your goal is to develop a specific muscle/muscles then there would be nothing wrong with using a smith machine
 
BeafSteak said:
if your goal is to get bigger and look better, then smith machines are perfectly fine. develping stabily muscles doesnt necesarily(cant spell) make you muscles grow faster. you never hear anyone say "whoa that guys got some huge stabilizers"

i dont know if that made any sense to you but if your goal is to develop a specific muscle/muscles then there would be nothing wrong with using a smith machine
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Im not saying it is key. As an athlete who suffered an injury or two i value getting all i can. just my .02
 
blackrhino1 said:
What about using the smith or other machine for squats? Are freeweights more effective?
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If your moving weight your tearing down muscle fiber and they will be repaired. So if you know what machine, or weight, is working what muscle(s) then you can base your decision on that.
 
blackrhino1 said:
What about using the smith or other machine for squats? Are freeweights more effective?
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yes, much more effective... but it really depends on your goals... Also, something that hasn't been mentioned is that smith machines restrict some range motion that can increase chance of injury. I am not going out alone on this to say that they are totally ineffective, as they do have there place. just don't replace core compound exercises with smith machines if you want to attain maximum results.
 
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