So I recently lost my workout partner(she wants to sleep in until 0530 then swim at 6, while I wake up at 4 to workout) so I have noone to spot me on the bench. I've heard negative things about the Smith Machine(it lowers your max, doesnt allow proper form, etc.) But I also dont want to put too much weight on the bar and not be able to handle it, then hurt myslef.
Is the smith machine an acceptable alternative until I can get a new workout partner?
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Thread: Smith machine?
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02-08-2016, 03:36 AM #1
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Smith machine?
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02-08-2016, 03:48 AM #2
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02-08-2016, 03:52 AM #3
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02-08-2016, 03:58 AM #4
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02-08-2016, 03:59 AM #5
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02-08-2016, 04:06 AM #6
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Start with a weight that you know you can handle and add reps before increasing the weight again.
E.g. start w/ 6 reps, work your way up to 10 reps and then add 5lbs, aiming for 6 reps again.You can't help the hopeless.
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02-08-2016, 04:10 AM #7
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02-08-2016, 04:11 AM #8
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02-08-2016, 11:51 AM #9
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02-09-2016, 01:33 AM #10
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02-09-2016, 04:44 AM #11
I see threads talking about the Smith being bad. I wonder then, why are there so many vids showing pro bb'ers using it?
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02-09-2016, 05:39 AM #12
I only use dumbells for chest presses, so much better imo....my chest seams to grow when I got away from barbell bench presses. I don't ego lift though, so no big deal to me. Spotter? Never had one of them, always been I can only count on me, prefer it this way anyways. I guess personal preference......
It’s all about consistency imho ✌️
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02-09-2016, 08:40 AM #13
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02-09-2016, 09:34 AM #14
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02-09-2016, 09:39 AM #15
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02-09-2016, 12:00 PM #16
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02-09-2016, 12:06 PM #17
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02-09-2016, 12:06 PM #18
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02-09-2016, 12:08 PM #19
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02-09-2016, 12:36 PM #20No brain, no gain.
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02-09-2016, 10:45 PM #21
I'd do dumbbell before smith, like most have said, you can definitely develop bad habits on a smith machine, and imbalances. I've always done Barbell work over heavy dumbells because I've hurt my shoulder a couple times with dumbbells, however you'll maintain strength better with them over the smith.
But if the smith machine is all you have, go for it, just maybe try to work in free weights when you can.Bench press PR 315x3
Squat current PR315x7
Deadlift current PR 405x3
Goal is to get stronger
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12-27-2016, 06:11 PM #22
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12-28-2016, 04:13 AM #23
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12-28-2016, 07:38 AM #24
I've benched in the smith for a while now since I picked up an injury on my rotator cuff... does the job. Worth including dumbell press into your workout too if it isn't already, if you don't feel like you're getting what you get on a barbell chest press, then just up the reps, it's all about the stress / tension you put your muscles under... its not necessarily bad that you can't get the same weights as you'll do on the bench up, it'll generally be a little less since you're relying on your core for stability rather than having the luxury of a barbell providing it...
Or, just keep on the bench... I've had to dump a couple of times before. When I couldn't press back up I brought the bar down to as near to my hips as I could and rolled it down my thighs as I've sat up, and then moved it to the floor... no discomfort from doing it... just the embarrassment and a red face...
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