Deadlifts on Smith machine??

[Ed0001]

Opinion seems to be split on this forum.
I use a wheelchair and I would really like to deadlift (starting light). Smith machine would stop me from falling over.
So are deadlifts / rack pulls ok on a Smith machine?

[oldballs]

Wheel chair deadlifts can be done on a smith with no problems. Have a blast.

[Ed0001]

Wheel chair deadlifts can be done on a smith with no problems. Have a blast.

But what about standing up out of the wheelchair? Can they be done like this?

[chazzy1864]

I think this question is out of the realm of the vast majority on here. You might get someone with first hand experience, but I honestly think this is one where you might need to ask for some spotter assistance and attempt it yourself.

[LostLlama]

I think you are looking at this the wrong way.

If you want to deadlift, ima go out on a good-natured limb and assume it is to strengthen your entire posterior chain with one movement, then why would a smith machine be helpful over the bar on the ground? If you cant stand up then you cant stand up. A smith machine will not change anything mechanically for your betterment. In fact, it will make matters worse. I ask you, why not just grab a loaded bar by your feet and "hinge it up"?

If you cannot stand up straight then you cannot deadlift. If you are looking to strengthen your back, there are many other ways.

[Ed0001]

I think you are looking at this the wrong way.

If you want to deadlift, ima go out on a good-natured limb and assume it is to strengthen your entire posterior chain with one movement, then why would a smith machine be helpful over the bar on the ground? If you cant stand up then you cant stand up. A smith machine will not change anything mechanically for your betterment. In fact, it will make matters worse. I ask you, why not just grab a loaded bar by your feet and "hinge it up"?

If you cannot stand up straight then you cannot deadlift. If you are looking to strengthen your back, there are many other ways.

I can stand up, that's the thing. I just can't wall. So with a bar I'll fall over forwards or backwards. With a Smith machine that won't happen.
Or should I just stick to glute bridges and rows?

[whyser]

I can stand up, that's the thing. I just can't wall. So with a bar I'll fall over forwards or backwards. With a Smith machine that won't happen.
Or should I just stick to glute bridges and rows?

What about dumbbell deadlift?

[Bumpus]

I'm with Chazzy. Give it a go. Ask someone to spot you.

I'd venture the smith machine may give you problems trying for a conventional deadlift. But probably could work out just fine for a rack pull, Romanian or Stiff-legged variant.

Any chance your gym has something like this?:



Might give you the stability you're wanting but more natural movement.

[gomez26]

I can stand up, that's the thing. I just can't wall. So with a bar I'll fall over forwards or backwards. With a Smith machine that won't happen.
Or should I just stick to glute bridges and rows?

try everything & see what works best. dont worry if opinions are split, especially since yours is a special case.

[Silentpoet]

I would try it. See how it works. Otherwise, get a spotter you can trust and try with a regular bar. Someplace on youtube is a Louie Simmons video on seated deadlifts. Might look it up and see if it helps you any.