Another Row question

[wallcrawler]

Any disadvantage to doing bent over rows on a Smith machine. I already know the disadvantages of doing bench presses on a Smith but it doesn't sem the same thing applies with a pulling exercise.

 

[blut wump]

I'm mostly curious as to why you'd even consider it unless there simply is no free bar available.

I never did rows on a Smith but I'm not tempted to try them. Just be careful that you don't unduly subject your back to shearing forces due to trying to conform to the Smith rather than having the weight adjust to your position. I'd even prefer DB rows to using a Smith for rowing.

 

[JL_204]

I agree, That just sounds like an injury waiting to happen.

When I row, the bar doesnt go perfectly straight up and down and theres probably a good reason for this.

 

[thelion2005]

I've seen a "new" Smith machine set back 7 degrees. I wonder if this would make the pull better? It could easy be racked so your body was at the Yates-style 70 degrees too.

 

[JL_204]

I've seen a "new" Smith machine set back 7 degrees. I wonder if this would make the pull better? It could easy be racked so your body was at the Yates-style 70 degrees too.

I really dont like Yates rows. Ive gotten much better progress by doing them Pendlay style. 90 degrees. Upperbody parellel to the floor.

 

[Scotsman]

I like doing them on the smith machine. That way you can focus on moving the weight on not on body position. The row motion should be more or less a straight line so motion of the body to conform to the smith isn't the same as squatting or benching. Besides and movement of the body will be taken up as sway between the ankles and knee. The smith also prevents you from falling over forward if you lose your balance. Just remember that you have to alter your weights due to the counterbalance of the smith machine. I take 40lbs off my weight as most smiths take up about that much. I also like the fact that you can start high then lean into the weight with out having to back away from a rack, or start low and come up into postion. Eliminating having to move while loaded is great in my book. My final point is that it is harder to great momentum on the smith as you can't swing the weight to add extra pounds.

Cheers,
Scotsman

 

[blut wump]

Thanks for the info, Scotsman. Maybe they're worth a try.

 

[wallcrawler]

My Smith is set back 7 degrees, so I stand behind it bent about 80 degrees or so and pull. One thing it sure helps is making sure the weight stays in front ogf my knees, the best way to prevent an injury from what I hear. I really feel it working my lats and rear delts.

I know benching on a Smith cheats you of working certain muscles that free weights do, but I just couldn't think of why Smith pulls would be disadvantageous.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[JKurz1]

The smith?? Seriously????

 

[d3track]

does the smith allow you to get low enough?

I like doing them on the smith machine. That way you can focus on moving the weight on not on body position. The row motion should be more or less a straight line so motion of the body to conform to the smith isn't the same as squatting or benching. Besides and movement of the body will be taken up as sway between the ankles and knee. The smith also prevents you from falling over forward if you lose your balance. Just remember that you have to alter your weights due to the counterbalance of the smith machine. I take 40lbs off my weight as most smiths take up about that much. I also like the fact that you can start high then lean into the weight with out having to back away from a rack, or start low and come up into postion. Eliminating having to move while loaded is great in my book. My final point is that it is harder to great momentum on the smith as you can't swing the weight to add extra pounds.

Cheers,
Scotsman

 

[musketeer]

Any disadvantage to doing bent over rows on a Smith machine. I already know the disadvantages of doing bench presses on a Smith but it doesn't sem the same thing applies with a pulling exercise.

One major disadvantage is that the smith bar does not roll. As you are pulling you are made to slightly flex your wrists in order to kep hold of the bar.

 

[Scotsman]

does the smith allow you to get low enough?

It should depending on how you have it set up, and where you position yourself for the lift.

Cheers,
Scotsman