The squat racks at my gym are usually pretty packed, but the Smith machine is eternally empty, save for the one guy who does calf raises once in a blue moon. My question is what else could I use a smith machine for, and is it a significant downgrade from the unassisted squat rack?
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Thread: Purpose of Smith Machine?
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05-19-2022, 05:08 PM #1
Purpose of Smith Machine?
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05-19-2022, 05:10 PM #2
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05-19-2022, 05:14 PM #3
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05-19-2022, 05:16 PM #4
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05-19-2022, 05:26 PM #5
Unironically this is something I'd love to do. I have a frightening genetic history of Hank-Hill ass and setting up hip thrusts with barbell are very annoying. It would be nice to have some safeties in place so I don't have to crawl on the floor at the end of a set. So they just push a bench up to the machine and go to town?
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05-19-2022, 11:48 PM #6
* Things I use my Smith machine for
Bench
Incline bench
Decline bench
Shoulder press
Upright row (at times)
Skull crushers
Close grip bench
Squats
Front squats
Split squats
Calf raises
I have seen people do chins and body rows and barbell rows and even deadlifts (shrug)"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
Old Guy deadlifting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zMrim-0Dks
bench press https://youtu.be/GaRzfueJVJQ
Every workout is GAME DAY!
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05-20-2022, 03:02 AM #7
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05-20-2022, 01:54 PM #8
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05-20-2022, 01:59 PM #9
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05-20-2022, 02:07 PM #10
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05-26-2022, 12:21 AM #11
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05-26-2022, 12:56 AM #12
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So do I, it's much easier to set up than with a free weight barbell. The bar path is close enough to being straight IMO.
I've also used it for front squats (I can't get comfortable with back squats), seated overhead press (or steep incline bench press technically), I also use it as a support doing sissy squats.
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05-26-2022, 07:29 AM #13
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05-26-2022, 08:20 AM #14
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Walking lunges are a beast in a Smith Machine! Especially if it's bolted down.
In seriousness I use my Smith as an alternative to just about any free weight exercise. The only things you can't do in one obviously is a movement where the bar has to travel away from your body, like cleans, snatches, etc."It is my own fault for replying in a smith thread." deadwoodgregg
Ordained Minister of Perpetual Consumption and all around righteous dude.
My home gym pictures: https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=175136471&p=1632857623&viewfull=1#post1632857623
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05-26-2022, 08:37 AM #15
Some smith machine facts…
Some smith machines have a counterbalanced weightless bar…load accordingly
Others have bearings and a standard bar, load accordingly
Still others have an actual Olympic bar, plus additional hardware that makes the bar 65 lbs or even 70. Load accordingly
Some smith machines work on rails, if unoiled, can make weights move slow dragging steel on steel…oil em up.
I have zero appreciation for the angled rails. That’s just weird."A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
Old Guy deadlifting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zMrim-0Dks
bench press https://youtu.be/GaRzfueJVJQ
Every workout is GAME DAY!
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05-26-2022, 01:36 PM #16
+1. Any type of bench press on the Smith always made my elbow joints scream and didn't work well with my tendency for shoulder impingement either. I like it for standing calf raise, shrugs and a handful of other movements, but for me it's usefulness is very limited.
I supposed it depends on the nature of the injury or disability. For the reasons state above, I find it wreaks havoc on my 44 y/o joints with certain lifts.
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05-26-2022, 02:14 PM #17
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05-26-2022, 03:52 PM #18
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06-02-2022, 03:03 PM #19
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I honestly used to hate the Smith..for anything but inverted rows or heavy shrugs..
BUT
with modifications like this for big movements, its actually viable for straight up hyp work similar to any other machine..
or as supplemental work for athletes who also do free weighted 'athletic' stuff for the other benefits and performance elements.FMH crew - Couch.
'pick a program from the stickies' = biggest cop out post.
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