is the smith machine enough for squatting, deadlifitng and barbell chest press?

[Tybittz3]

I'm trying to bulk and I may need to switch to planet fitness where they don't have free weight barbells. am I missing out on any benefits?

[paulinkansas]

[TheShadowMan]

In my opinion if they don't have a competent free weight section, they aren't a real gym. A smith machine is good for some things, but not all - and in time it's weaknesses will expose themselves for sure.

[Tybittz3]

In my opinion if they don't have a competent free weight section, they aren't a real gym. A smith machine is good for some things, but not all - and in time it's weaknesses will expose themselves for sure.

what if you're trying to gain size?

[SuicideGripMe]

You can make it work it sure, just need to be smart. Machines won't hit the stabilizers so you should make some movements a little focused on that. Follow up your Smith Squats with deep goblet squats, in addition to machine leg curls, hit dumbbell RDL's or low cable pull throughs or kb swings.

[air2fakie]

what if you're trying to gain size?

Then it's a totally different ballgame. The gentleman above was likely referring only to scenarios where one is lifting to decrease muscle size.

[radrd]

This has to be a troll account.

[air2fakie]

This has to be a troll account.

You think?

[TheShadowMan]

what if you're trying to gain size?

A gym should be equipped with the resources required to facilitate the goal that the person has in mind. Secondly, it should have the resources you need to do the exercises that are on your program. If it doesn't have these available, then you have your answer of whether this is the place to go or not.

[kimnancy]

Using the Smith machine can still be effective for squatting, deadlifting, and barbell chest press, but it may limit some muscle activation and stabilization compared to free weight barbells. However, if Planet Fitness is your only option, you can still make progress with proper form and intensity.