Why does everyone talk shit about "Smith Machines"?

[TC2]

Granted..I've never used one before..but why does everyone badmouth them.

I've been thinking about getting getting a new bench/cage system with they smith machine since I workout alone in my garage.

Seems like good equipment to use, I'd hate to get trapped under a few hundred pounds with nobody around to help.

 

[Gambino]

just set the pins in the rack like you would for sq'ing, works just as good for bp'ing.
that's what i do when i bp solo.
the humor in using a smith machine, in my eyes, is that their is often a perfectly good bench right next to the smith...but the smith typically has more traffic. why use a smith when you can use the real thing, in which a smith is copying?
i believe the smith has a purpose but should not be the primary tool for your workout

 

[heatherrae]

I was just saying the same thing on another thread the other day. I like the smith machine because I don't have anyone with me when I workout, not that I'm pumping iron these days. lol.

 

[jh1]

Granted..I've never used one before..but why does everyone badmouth them.

I've been thinking about getting getting a new bench/cage system with they smith machine since I workout alone in my garage.

Seems like good equipment to use, I'd hate to get trapped under a few hundred pounds with nobody around to help.

Smith Machines isolate the excercise to much and as a result - you don't develop all the right muscles.

 

[Smurfy]

the smith machine is just that - a machine. there is an obvious difference between moving weight on a machine, and moving free weight. machines come in handy in lots of situations but like stated above, are not nearly as effective for compound movements and free weights are

 

[Gambino]

the smith machine is just that - a machine. there is an obvious difference between moving weight on a machine, and moving free weight. machines come in handy in lots of situations but like stated above, are not nearly as effective for compound movements and free weights are

what do you use the smith for?
i use it occasionaly for decline
their isn't a free weight decline so...

 

[TC2]

the smith machine is just that - a machine. there is an obvious difference between moving weight on a machine, and moving free weight. machines come in handy in lots of situations but like stated above, are not nearly as effective for compound movements and free weights are

Yeah but weight is weight right????

Granted you probably wouldn't engage all your stabilizer muscles but I think it would get the job done.

 

[redguru]

Squat down in front of your chair and then raise up naturally, is your motion in a straight line, perpendicular to the floor? That is the biggest reason smith machines are a problem.

 

[Gambino]

jackangel max sq day pic from a few weeks ago

 

[Phaded]

i use a smith for everything and i'm stronger than everyone on this entire forum.. including god..