Smith machine?

[hardrockscout]

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?

[Gxp23]

Id rather switch to dumbells. Or, you could just ask someone at the gym for a spot.

[chamelious]

Are dumbbells not an option?

[hardrockscout]

Are dumbbells not an option?

they are, I just can't lift them up to a press position to equal the same weight as bar.

When I go there's no one else in the gym because I'm very self-conscious about my lifting

[chamelious]

they are, I just can't lift them up to a press position to equal the same weight as bar.

When I go there's no one else in the gym because I'm very self-conscious about my lifting

self-conscious...?!

So focus on a higher rep range. Do 5 sets of 10 or something. This would be much preferable to most than doing heavy sets in a smith machine.

[Partyrocking]

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.

[hardrockscout]

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.

That's what I did with the bar today. Did 2 sets at max reps according to my workout plan, before increasing by 5lbs

[hardrockscout]

Yes, self-conscious.

I did that with the bar today, 2 sets at max according to my plan, then added the lowest weight I could on each side.

[RustedIron]

Throw a bench in the squat rack and place the pins. This is how I max alone all the time.

[Chocminty]

Bench in power rack or just don't apply clips to the sides and you can just dump the plates left & right if you fail. Obviously don't bench above your throat.

[smokinal]

I see threads talking about the Smith being bad. I wonder then, why are there so many vids showing pro bb'ers using it?

[HY45]

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?

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......

[le0p]

they are, I just can't lift them up to a press position to equal the same weight as bar.

You don't have to equal the same weight as the bar, they'll be far more difficult than you think. Start with what you can handle and progress from there, there are plenty of people using DB's instead of a bar and doing just fine.

[Jwoodworth]

I see threads talking about the Smith being bad. I wonder then, why are there so many vids showing pro bb'ers using it?

Same here, is the smith machine then bad for squats as well bench pressing? I only use it for squats

[DomesticD]

smith machine just really allows for decent form, and for people that cant handle free weight and hold a solid form

[kthahypebeast]

I see threads talking about the Smith being bad. I wonder then, why are there so many vids showing pro bb'ers using it?

legit its not a bad thing as an accsessory but i wouldnt recomend as a main compound lift like i can get some crazy hypertrophy with smith machine incline

[chazzy1864]

Benching without a spotter isn't hard at all:

[gbullock32]

Same here, is the smith machine then bad for squats as well bench pressing? I only use it for squats

It can restrict range of motion which can lead to issues in muscle development such as weaker stabilizing muscles. It also forces your ROM to fit the machine, rather than your body which can lead to discomfort.

[da2ricky]

I've seen so many people destroy their shoulders benching on the smith... Ask for a spot or switch to DB if that's your only other option.

[ironwill2008]

Is the smith machine an acceptable alternative until I can get a new workout partner?

Sure, or any of the HammerStrength chest equipment, if that's available to you. But you'd still be a bit better-off either working with a spotter or switching to dumbbells. Your best, first choice is usually going to be free weights.

[bigjon1988]

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.

[VILIFIED]

Hate to bring up an old thread BUT... who benefits from a Smith machine and why did it become so popular?

[chazzy1864]

I've used it many times for particular exercises.

[lmcfreekz]

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...