New gym only has smith machines, not sure how to use them.

[2RDEYE]

Hello,

Can anyone give me advice on things I can do on smith machines, and not what to do on smith machines? I've looked up videos before going to my new gym, but when I got to the gym I was so confused... I spent like 10 minutes trying to figure out how to position the bench and all this crap.

This is only a temporary gym until my main gym opens back up, it's close to me, and barely anyone there. They only have smith machines, dumbbells of course, benches, and machines, and other equipment, but i'm more of a barbell person.

[Postmort3m]

Sparingly

[2RDEYE]

Sparingly

i guess I should just say **** them and use the benches and dumbbells

[Duplicitous]

You can all sorts of things on them and the use, but I find the movements unnatural for most exercises. Off the cuff, the only exercises I liked doing on one were shrugs, rows and calf raises.

I did find this great video on a Smith bench press though. I'm pretty sure there's a Smith machine in the video anyway.

[2RDEYE]

You can all sorts of things on them and the use, but I find the movements unnatural for most exercises. Off the cuff, the only exercises I liked doing on one were shrugs, rows and calf raises.

I did find this great video on a Smith bench press though. I'm pretty sure there's a Smith machine in the video anyway.

yeah I actually tried benching on a smith machine today... I find it so much more dangerous than just regular free weight flat bench rack. it's weird as hell like it's angled. thanks i'll look at the video

tried to do incline on it as well..... and noped the **** out. was so confused

[irongrandpa]

Remember, when using machines, you have to be smarter than the machine! In other words, there are right ways to use them. Try the bench in slightly different positions to find the best place since the bar path doesn't change.

[DarthCholo]

the only exercise i felt "ok" doing on one was over head pressing.

[gym62richard]

I've never been comfortable doing flat bench and conventional squats on a Smith, strangely split squats were much better, as were close grip triceps press, steep incline bench also worked for me , as did shrugs and standing calf raise, but I can't say i'd ever invest in a Smith machine.

[2RDEYE]

I've never been comfortable doing flat bench and conventional squats on a Smith, strangely split squats were much better, as were close grip triceps press, steep incline bench also worked for me , as did shrugs and standing calf raise, but I can't say i'd ever invest in a Smith machine.

yeah idk, it's ridiculous... ah well i can take this time to increase strength on db bench

[radrd]

Just do a 360 and find another gym.

[obey46]

You're most likely to get better ROM using free weights if a rack is not available.

[2RDEYE]

You're most likely to get better ROM using free weights if a rack is not available.

pretty complex exercise for the smith machine. yeah i agree. i think i have to change my routine here. probably keep flat bench on the smith machine. but not comfortable with incline on it