squat machines

[scoop70]

I went to the sporting goods store the other day, and i saw this squatting thing. It looked like a regular squat rack, but the bar was attached to these poles going vertically upwards, and the bar had hooks on each side, and the poles had holes, so you could put the bar into them, i guess so if you're doing a lot of weight you won't hurt yoursel,f (don't need any spotters) and it's easier to put the bar back. It costed about $350 I think. Does anyone have one of these?

[ctgblue]

I have it and love it.
DO NOT BUY ONE FROM A SPORITNG GOODS STORE for $350. They are crap.
Unfortunately, a decent on with linear bearings, so it doesn't stick, costs at least $800+ with a real bench and lat attachment.
You will get some people who are afraid of this machine so read this first.
http://www.exrx.net/ExInfo/SmithSquat1.html
Most people who are scared have never even tried one or have not taken the time to learn the proper form.
All I know, as I have said before, is that HUNDREDS of people each week use the one in my gym, and I don't know a single person who has injured themselves on it. Most will take the time to get a trainer to show them proper form instead of just throwing on a bunch of weight and thinking "hell, this should be easy". So that might be why they don't get hurt. I have seen as much as 600+ being used for box squats on this, more than once I'll add.
It CAN be used for isolation AND full range movements, if you actually take the time and effort to learn how, the whole 5 minutes.
Good luck, shop around, you may be better off moneywise with a power rack and bench if that is going to be your only workout source. But I love my smith and EVRYONE who has one says the same thing.

[4 plates]

Originally posted by scoop70
I went to the sporting goods store the other day, and i saw this squatting thing. It looked like a regular squat rack, but the bar was attached to these poles going vertically upwards, and the bar had hooks on each side, and the poles had holes, so you could put the bar into them, i guess so if you're doing a lot of weight you won't hurt yoursel,f (don't need any spotters) and it's easier to put the bar back. It costed about $350 I think. Does anyone have one of these?

Its called a smith machine.

[chair]

i'd reccomend to skip the smith machine and hook it up with a power rack