smith or not to smith!

splinter

To smith or not to smith that is the question!!

What are your guys take on using a Smith Machine to Bench Bress/Squat and Military Press?

I would use a Smith if I dont have a friend Spotting me.

I hear Squatting can seriously do some harm on them.

And when benching your not using a muscle, is this correct?

Thanks

Splint

Bungee

I like the smith machine. mainly use it for incline press, especially good for drop sets.
you dont use any stabalising type muscles when benching with it but your not gonna be using it as your only chest movement.
used it fot military press and also front squats without any problems. some folk dont like it but like I say I use it regulary without any probs.

Anonymous

i have a smith machine at home, its quite good.

i use it occasionally for bench. incline, decline,and some shrugs.

also i have it set so if i fail on a set i can squeeze out underneath the bar.

front sqauts should be ok on them,cos of the position you use,

but normal squats i would say are a no,no, as you have to put your legs so far in front of you to use prper range of movement,.

Fiba

I think smith machines are ace . Especialy as i train solo so that i dont need to jerk the weights up from the floor for excercises such as military presses .

Also find it targets the muscles better for benching


P.S Steve have you tried puting a plate under each heel when squating with the smith machine ? It helps keep much better form



Fiba

splinter

Thanks for the feedback guys.

LOL you have one at home!

Must have room.

Thanks

Splint

crazycal1

i have read that smith machine anything is bad-very interested you that you chaps disagree-this is why i joined.

einsteins mind was the key to all things...to understand more than to know.

www.extremenutrition.co.uk

Extreme

I'm overcoming a shoulder injury so using the Smith has allowed me to train chest and still hit the pecs but eliminate shoulder involvement - or certainly cut it back.

I also use it for drag curls.