Are Smith machines basically useless?

[eazyb81]

After lurking around here for awhile and reading a lot of posts, I see a lot of you are not big fans of smith machines. Before coming here, I had always used smith machines for squats, and my workout partner uses it for military press. This week I am switching over to real squats on the power rack for the first time, thanks to your advice. However, after reading about your dislike of smith machines, I have to ask why do gyms even have them? Are they good for just a change of pace or what? Why wouldn't they just have more power racks? Someone care to enlighten me, because i am kind of confused by all of this. Thanks bros.

 

[Scotsman]

The only exercise I like smiths for is bent over rows. Other than that I never use them. The problem is the eliminate most of the stabilizers. This is also the reason people like them because they can use more weight. The prolem with squatting on the smith is it doesn't let you body track properly and can really screw you up good. Also I see a lot of trainers put people on the smith and tell them they are less likely to hurt themselves than with free weights. Is it a completely useless machine, no. Just mostly useless.

Cheers,
Scotsman

 

[Backlash]

Well, gyms have them b/c a lot of people do like them, for a variety of reasons. There's usually plenty of "useless" equipment in gyms that common people use (what's with those leg adductor and abductor machines?).

I do still use the smith machine for one exercise - power shrugs. I can set the stoppers to the exact right height for me, and my gym only has squats racks, not power racks with adjustable pins. I think since the shrug is supposed to be straight up and down and the ROM is very short, the smith is ok for that. Thoughts?

 

[makedah]

Here's what I've heard:

Gyms have them b/c they are widely considered to be "safer" than free squatting (or benching, etc.) b/c you don't need a spotter. And because gyms like to have expensive equipment b/c many gym-goers like to feel that they're paying for special stuff.

 

[louden_swain]

smith machines isolate muscles, but fail to build or strengthen stabilizers.

 

[Scotsman]

Backlash- Never thought of shrugging on one, but that isn't a half bad idea. I may try that out here in the near future.

Cheers,
Scotsman

 

[louden_swain]

One other thing, using a smith keeps you locked in and prevents you from using your natural plane of motion.

 

[eazyb81]

so, when i start squatting w/ a power rack on friday, will i have to dramatically lower the weight i'm using? also, it seems like you could have a tendency to fall backwards w/o a smith, do guys ever feel that way? hopefully i will begin making better gains when i eliminate the smith machine from my leg and shoulder workouts.

 

[IronLion]

usually the first time I try to teach someone to squat i take them to a smith machine so they can understand the difference between back and down. Other than that I don't like it for anything, oh I do use it for bench press throws....that is a safety issue though.

 

[louden_swain]

I can't imagine squatting on a smith machine.

It is a must that I use a barbell. . . . squatting on a smith machine can be bad on the joints.

 

[pwr_machine]

I can't imagine squatting on a smith machine.

It is a must that I use a barbell. . . . squatting on a smith machine can be bad on the joints.

The last few weeks, I've relied heavily on the smith machine to get squats and lunges in. It takes alot of the pressure off of my lower back and allows me to squeeze out a good workout.

So Eazyb81, it can have it's uses. However, I have to agree with everyone that barbell squats are the best thing you can do.

 

[Scotsman]

eazyb81- yes I would recomment that you use very light weight until you get the form thing down. Then you weights should come up rapidly. Just don't get impatient.

Cheers,
Scotsman

 

[eazyb81]

Cool, Thanks for the info guys. Now I can't wait for Friday (Leg day)!

 

[PatsFan34]

I use the smith machine for heavy incline presses cause it don't hurt my shoulder that bad and it's a good change every once in a while!!! I've also used them for lunges. I feel the smith machine is good for beginners who have problems with form, but overall I don't think it's that good of a machine!!!

And like Louden said, "I can't imagine squating on a smith machine", I can't either, you can only flow the path the machine lets you!!!

 

[MsBeverlyHills]

I used the Smith 2 yrs ago when I had a rotator injury for military presses-- it really helped w/stabilization-- but when your 100%- you dont need it.

 

[Exodus]

I used the Smith 2 yrs ago when I had a rotator injury for military presses-- it really helped w/stabilization-- but when your 100%- you dont need it.

interesting........ bfold and myself have both hurt our rotator cuffs on the smith machine. just goes to show you that everyone is different.

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