Smith Machine, useful? or Towel rack?

[natedogg]

Heh, small world. I usually work out with the wife in the PM after she gets off.

 

[xtraflossy]

I honestly think I could do almost every workout on it
I know some like it, some dont,.. but I dont have a lifting partner, and spots are spontanious,... and when Im ready for a set, Im ready for a set. I can also load more weight on then I would normally do because I dont have to balance. Great for blasting platoues!

 

[guyfromkop2]

I can also load more weight on then I would normally do because I dont have to balance. Great for blasting platoues!

not to sound like an ass, but that's like saying you can ride a yamaha r-2 at 120mphs with training wheels.

and why wouldnt you want to train your stabalizers at the same time?

 

[guyfromkop2]

But please go ahead and stay in the Smith, that way I know the Power Rack will always be free.

i'm with you on this one

 

[jalfrey]

I can think of worse ways to bump a 13 year old thread

 

[Diablodeadhead1880]

I think the Smith is decent for high rep front squats as an accessory movement once fatigued from back squats not a foundation in a training program by any means hack squats or leg press I view the same.

 

[brandonLPN]

I’m stuck being only able to go to planet fitness where I’m living for work lately. What is the smith machine to real bench press equivalent? I did 405 on the smith machine for four reps the other day. What’s that in real bench weight?

 

[Power-Lift]

Smith-machine has many useful features / exercises. The old-school "useless" label given to it is non-sense.
300 pounders like D. Hanshaw use it extensively.
Its what you put into youre routine, not always about having perfect equipment.

Brandon, many smith's are different/counter-balanced where the bar weighs zero. but even 360 (4-plates) on a smith is still very strong.
Though of course much different than a real bench-press (no stabilizers, etc). But still very good...

 

[Rocket3015]

I have a smith machine in my home, I train alone and have some shoulder stability issues from past injuries, for me it is a must!

 

[Fireman1957]

Like Rocket said, I believe it helps stabilize your shoulders. I do know for a fact, after I have a shoulder injury, and can't free weight bench, it is great to use to get me back. No shoulder pain afterwards, a good stepping stone while healing. That is why I keep my $10/month planet fitness membership, for the once or twice a year my shoulders act up. Knock on wood.