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..

 

[Gambino]

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

i do cardio in the smith machine

 

[musclemom]

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.

Weight is weight, but I'm telling you, there's a BIG difference between an effective exercise and one that restricts your motion unnaturally.

I bought a smith setup. I hate squatting with it. It forces you into an unnatural movement (it had other things on it I liked and I would have spent the same money for the other setup so it's all good). I can't even bench with it because it forces me into an unnatural plane of motion.

 

[MichaelScott]

my bench differs by close to 30lbs smith opposed to non-smith, i think it makes bp easier, it sux when u say oh i can bench 240 and u hop on the reg bench and u blow out a ball at 200, holla holla

 

[TC2]

Hmmmm...I guess I should try one 1st before buying one. I briefly tried one once and it seemed alright.

I'd like to be able to lift heavier weights with the fear of getting pinned, or worse getting crushed doing squats.

I seem to tweak my back a little bit every time doing squats with my piece of shit bench because I have to dip too low and back to re rack the weights.

 

[redguru]

Hmmmm...I guess I should try one 1st before buying one. I briefly tried one once and it seemed alright.

I'd like to be able to lift heavier weights with the fear of getting pinned, or worse getting crushed doing squats.

I seem to tweak my back a little bit every time doing squats with my piece of shit bench because I have to dip too low and back to re rack the weights.

A squat cage with safety bars would still be cheaper than a smith.

 

[MichaelScott]

i didnt like the squats either same reason as above, i mean it is cool to use bigger weights but with the squat you are confined to a straight line and it is hard for me to bend straight down, i can lose 60 pounds easy on non-smith squats, a power rack is my new choice you have the safety and all i use my smith now for is to hang my towel on it

 

[superqt4u2nv]

Smith is good for working through injuries and the occasional change up but shouldn't be the primary.

I do really like close grip bench and decline bench a lot on the smith though just feel more in control.

 

[DannoMight]

I do hack squats on the smith. I just get under it and take a step out then start squatting.

 

[MichaelScott]

i like reverse bench and close grip on smith, thats it

 

[superqt4u2nv]

I do hack squats on the smith. I just get under it and take a step out then start squatting.

I will do that sometimes too great for the glutes.

 

[redguru]

I will do that sometimes too great for the glutes.

Before and after hack squat pump pics are in order, QT.

 

[the_clockwork]

I do incline on the smith b/c of my shoulder / chest injury.. i promise you if anyone says a snide comment about it at the gym and I can hear them I will snap their neck.. I've had to do it once... true story

 

[Smurfy]

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

I dont use it for anything. I have in the past used it for stationary lunges. that's it.

 

[Smurfy]

I do incline on the smith b/c of my shoulder / chest injury.. i promise you if anyone says a snide comment about it at the gym and I can hear them I will snap their neck.. I've had to do it once... true story

does that feel weird? when I bench (whether it;s incline or flat) I dont use a perfectly vertical motion. the bar starts at my chest and then goes up over my eyes - those two points are not in the same plane.

 

[DannoMight]

A good friend of mine has back problems and can only do squats on the smith machine. But he also an ifbb pro and mostly built his legs on the smith machine and legpress.

 

[samoth]

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

That's half the motivation right there, broly. Either lift the weight or watch your life drain away while crushud under it.

http://www.elitefts.com/ has quality racks and supplies.

 

[the_clockwork]

does that feel weird? when I bench (whether it;s incline or flat) I dont use a perfectly vertical motion. the bar starts at my chest and then goes up over my eyes - those two points are not in the same plane.

the smith machine we have at my gym is a little different than the smith machine you prolly use. This one moves forward and back and up and down (of course) but it allows for moving the bar.. maybe it's not called a smith machine but it acts just like one but you can move it forward or back to fit your comfort

 

[jh1]

That's half the motivation right there, broly. Either lift the weight or watch your life drain away while crushud under it.

http://www.elitefts.com/ has quality racks and supplies.

LOL !!!!


Lift -or- DIE ?????????????????






.

 

[samoth]

LOL !!!!

Lift -or- DIE ?????????????????

.

Yeah. I remember www.growordie.com has some great PL workout videos.

OMG, I forgot I totally wanted one of these. DAmn freight shipping costs an arm and a leg, but it's entertaining watching the semi try to navigate out of the court I live on for almost an hour, lol.

 

[paradox]

I used the smith machine alot to help me recover from a bad tendon rupture.

 

[jackangel]

bino, are you saying that your gym doesn't have a decline bench station, or that you've never seen one? it can't be the latter. every gym i've ever been to has one, except for faggot hotel gyms.

 

[javaguru]

Just get a power cage..... I haven't stepped into a commercial gym since 2004.

 

[javaguru]

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

Make sure you subtract 20-50 pounds from each lift. That's generally what people lose when they try to max with a barbell.

 

[samoth]

I got this in black... highly recommended.

*drool*

 

[jh1]

Samoth -

I wouldn't know what to do with all those straps, bands, chains and shit... looks like that shiat would be more usefull in my bedroom than the gym.

Explain.

Jh1

 

[samoth]

Samoth -

I wouldn't know what to do with all those straps, bands, chains and shit... looks like that shiat would be more usefull in my bedroom than the gym.

Explain.

Jh1

Progressive resistance.

Chains:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0ONSF-WWJg

Bands: (AKA Jump Stretch bands)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZ16YFmNwzM

Reverse band:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yps9ZqazZMY

Incorporating both bands and chains:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kkAMRZO0rw

Board press:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb1mGpQIinw

Dynamic/speed work with bands:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd5WWQABr7o

Reverse band press:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Lnhmvs1dKw



HTH

 

[jh1]

Progressive resistance.

Chains:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0ONSF-WWJg

Bands: (AKA Jump Stretch bands)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZ16YFmNwzM

Reverse band:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yps9ZqazZMY

Incorporating both bands and chains:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kkAMRZO0rw

Board press:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xb1mGpQIinw

Dynamic/speed work with bands:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd5WWQABr7o

Reverse band press:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Lnhmvs1dKw



HTH

Okay I get it now, but I am disapointed in every one of those schmoes in those videos.

1) Admitetly they are all stronger than me.

2) Their range of montion sucks ass.

3) The boxes under their ass couple with the leg stance that puts their ass 3 inches from the box is rediculous. If I squated like that, I could prolly triple my max the way I squat - ATF with my legs at shoulder width. I am not impressed with that weak ass bullshit.

4) The guy bench pressing.. fuck his fatness was so out there - or up there as the case may be - then on top of it he had some blocks on his chest to limit the range of motion?????? Dood.. .he moved that bar 4 inches.. 2 on the way down and 2 on the way up.


Fuck me... thanks for making me feel like superman today, Samote.

I appreciate it.

That shit seems really gaye.... just lift weights and make the range of motion as long as possible. Plus they all looked like shit.


Powerlifters.


LOL...

 

[INNOCENT]

i use smith machine... and it does work for me.. actually makes me stronger when i use regular machines

 

[samoth]

Okay I get it now, but I am disapointed in every one of those schmoes in those videos.

1) Admitetly they are all stronger than me.

The big guys are stronger than most people, including bodybuilders. Probably 'casue they're doing something right.

2) Their range of montion sucks ass.

ROM is a variable in PLing. A BBer would say the ROM sucks for a 5-board press, but that lift is only an ancillary exercise.

3) The boxes under their ass couple with the leg stance that puts their ass 3 inches from the box is rediculous. If I squated like that, I could prolly triple my max the way I squat - ATF with my legs at shoulder width. I am not impressed with that weak ass bullshit.

The all-important lockout is the big thing in PLing. Keep in mind that all ROM's are worked in PLing individually. E.g., one may do low CSGM's one week, high the next; Dynamic ROM will differ from various max lift WO's all the time. WO schemas are not nearly as fixed in PLing as BBing -- one works on what gets them results, not the same thing week after week.

4) The guy bench pressing.. fuck his fatness was so out there - or up there as the case may be - then on top of it he had some blocks on his chest to limit the range of motion?????? Dood.. .he moved that bar 4 inches.. 2 on the way down and 2 on the way up.

The two-board guy? Yeah, that's the way it works. Some people have great arches that limit their ROM's... some have crappy arches (*cough* me). You should see how much the bar's moved on a 4-board press, lol.

Fuck me... thanks for making me feel like superman today, Samote.

I appreciate it.

That shit seems really gaye.... just lift weights and make the range of motion as long as possible. Plus they all looked like shit.

Powerlifters.

LOL...

I've seen more built, symmetric PLers than I have gym rats or BBers. These videos were random and first-serve from video searches. They could all crush your skull with minimal effort, though. (But I doubt they have sexy coke whores on speed-dial, though, lol.)

PLers don't care what other people think of their appearance, which is one draw for me which increases the purity of the sport. I've never once picked up a barbell with intention of making myself more appealing to the opposite sex -- I do it for myself and myslef alone. BBers are too externally influenced.

 

[jh1]

PLers don't care what other people think of their appearance, which is one draw for me which increases the purity of the sport. I've never once picked up a barbell with intention of making myself more appealing to the opposite sex -- I do it for myself and myslef alone. BBers are too externally influenced.

Interesting stuff.

Yeah, I'm th opposite... I couldn't care less about how strong I really am or about lifting weights. If I could take a pill that made my bitch ass a ripped ass Men's Health cover model, I'd swallow them up... and never get off my ass, cept to fug some hawt bitches!

 

[samoth]

Interesting stuff.

Yeah, I'm th opposite... I couldn't care less about how strong I really am or about lifting weights. If I could take a pill that made my bitch ass a ripped ass Men's Health cover model, I'd swallow them up... and never get off my ass, cept to fug some hawt bitches!

Yep, I think that's how PLing appealed to me... I just never cared for lifting to impress or look attractive to anyone else but myself... and when I first started lifting, I had posters of Flex, Dorian, Nasser and Ronnie all over the walls No pretty boy models, unless you count Priest, lol. So what I liked and pursued was the more extreme genres of lifting (no surprise for me, as I usually took this road in life), with or without the swooning slimmies. Unfortunetly for me, though, is I totally don't have a 'big' (Scottsman-esque) physique, with or without gear, and that's what'd I prefer.




In conclusion, digressing back to the origional topic, smith machines = pretty boy playsets and power racks = big boy battlegrounds, HTH.

 

[calveless wonder]

i only really use it for flat bench......... it's a good supplement/way to switch it up.

for the exercises i do use it for, it's huge.

my chest gets blasted when i do flat bench smith machine...completely isolates it. when i do flat bench, i NEVER seem to feel it much in my chest. i think it's because my tri's and shoulders are stronger than my chest. only have that problem on flat bench..incline i use the regular bar

 

[gonelifting]

I agree with the power rack suggestions. Set it at the bottom of the rep height, and if you fail, the bar just rests on the pins. I always lift alone at home and I squat and BP with the rack all the time. I also have (HAD) a Smith machine which I gave away a week ago. I had it for years but used it a handfull of times. I had hanging straps on it for abs. lol

I actually felt uncomfortable when trying squats with the Smith, My knees would feel weird. So I stopped using it and bought the power rack. I was thinking the same thing you are because of my basement gym.


Newyorkbarbells.com has any price point you would want. Inexpensive stuff. Depending on quality of course.



PS I use a lot of dumbells just because it's easier to drop on the floor. Of course not for squats and deadlifts etc..

 

[samoth]

PS I use a lot of dumbells just because it's easier to drop on the floor. Of course not for squats and deadlifts etc..

Two 5'x6' 3/4"+ rubber mats run about $50 a piece. Allows dumping of squats of moderate weight if absolutely necessary. (Well, assuming a concrete floor, lol.)

 

[Sub-Zero]

Okay I get it now, but I am disapointed in every one of those schmoes in those videos.

1) Admitetly they are all stronger than me.

2) Their range of montion sucks ass.

3) The boxes under their ass couple with the leg stance that puts their ass 3 inches from the box is rediculous. If I squated like that, I could prolly triple my max the way I squat - ATF with my legs at shoulder width. I am not impressed with that weak ass bullshit.

4) The guy bench pressing.. fuck his fatness was so out there - or up there as the case may be - then on top of it he had some blocks on his chest to limit the range of motion?????? Dood.. .he moved that bar 4 inches.. 2 on the way down and 2 on the way up.


Fuck me... thanks for making me feel like superman today, Samote.

I appreciate it.

That shit seems really gaye.... just lift weights and make the range of motion as long as possible. Plus they all looked like shit.


Powerlifters.


LOL...

lmao hahaaaaaaahahha

 

[javaguru]

i only really use it for flat bench......... it's a good supplement/way to switch it up.

for the exercises i do use it for, it's huge.

my chest gets blasted when i do flat bench smith machine...completely isolates it. when i do flat bench, i NEVER seem to feel it much in my chest. i think it's because my tri's and shoulders are stronger than my chest. only have that problem on flat bench..incline i use the regular bar

Try wide grip, elbows parallel to the bar and lower the bar to your clavicle. Be warned you'll have to use less weight but it works.

 

[samoth]

lmao hahaaaaaaahahha

Powerlifters are an underrepresented and misunderstood minority, dammit. Cut us some slack, lol.

 

[gonelifting]

Two 5'x6' 3/4"+ rubber mats run about $50 a piece. Allows dumping of squats of moderate weight if absolutely necessary. (Well, assuming a concrete floor, lol.)

How about 2 4X8 mats. Will they work?

The smith machine is in the back corner. http://www.efbodybuildinggallery.com/data/500/31468dsc00201--resized.jpg


No idea if this link will work. It's in my gallery.


PS I was referring to dropping the weights to not hurt yourself with no spotters. DBs are my preference, when bench pressing and stuff like that.

 

[samoth]

How about 2 4X8 mats. Will they work?

The smith machine is in the back corner. http://www.efbodybuildinggallery.com/data/500/31468dsc00201--resized.jpg


No idea if this link will work. It's in my gallery.


PS I was referring to dropping the weights to not hurt yourself with no spotters. DBs are my preference, when bench pressing and stuff like that.

Hmm... I really don't know. I got mine from some weight lifting equipment place, so I don't know what kind of specifics are needed to prevent cracking of the floor and at what poundage, lol. I would think that you'd be fine.

BTW, how much is a membership there? I can bring my squat box if the toilet isn't fixed yet.

 

[gonelifting]

I gave the mats away too. My basement flooded and ruined the carpet and a lot of shit. It had to be replaced. All the lifting stuff is in the shed collecting dust.

Bottom line, get a power rack.

 

[the_clockwork]

www.maxrack.com

do you consider this a smith machine?

 

[samoth]

www.maxrack.com

do you consider this a smith machine?

"Star Trac's Max Rack 3-D Smith Machine"

Well, uhh, yeah.

Sorry.

 

[framer]

A quality smith machine is a good piece of equipment but the complaint from most people is that its a machine ( fixed restricted movement). I'd suggest geting a good power rack. You still have free movement with free weights and can train alone at anytime and go to failure on the big compond excercises like squats, benches

 

[swole]

lol @ all the haters

how many of you are developed enough to be talking trash about such machines?

pics of said muscles developed on manly man machines or stfu

 

[Sub-Zero]

Powerlifters are an underrepresented and misunderstood minority, dammit. Cut us some slack, lol.

i switch between powerlifting and bb routines, and am interested in moving big weights (as well as looking big), and my friend and i even talked about getting chains for next semester.

but jh1 still did a good job of making powerlifting look like faggots, so i laughed

 

[samoth]

i switch between powerlifting and bb routines, and am interested in moving big weights (as well as looking big), and my friend and i even talked about getting chains for next semester.

but jh1 still did a good job of making powerlifting look like faggots, so i laughed

I know, lol.

The fun of BBing vs. PLing is similar to that of physics vs. engineering or x team vs. y team... we're all doing pretty much the same thing, just different emphases.

I think people often get too closed in on one specific way while ignoring other potentially better credited choices.

Smith machines still suck. (I'm completely unbiased, BTW. )

 

[redguru]

I know, lol.

The fun of BBing vs. PLing is similar to that of physics vs. engineering or x team vs. y team... we're all doing pretty much the same thing, just different emphases.

I think people often get too closed in on one specific way while ignoring other potentially better credited choices.

Smith machines still suck. (I'm completely unbiased, BTW. )

And we all know Engineers > Physicists.

 

[samoth]

And we all know Engineers > Physicists.

Dammit, I knew you'd be all over that, lol.

 

[swole]

can any of you powerlifters deadlift more than 450lb for 4 reps?

 

[TC2]

i only really use it for flat bench......... it's a good supplement/way to switch it up.

for the exercises i do use it for, it's huge.

my chest gets blasted when i do flat bench smith machine...completely isolates it. when i do flat bench, i NEVER seem to feel it much in my chest. i think it's because my tri's and shoulders are stronger than my chest. only have that problem on flat bench..incline i use the regular bar

See I think I have the same problem

 

[samoth]

can any of you powerlifters deadlift more than 450lb for 4 reps?

Never tried repping near my max, so no, I haven't. I don't know of any PLers who deadlift for reps beyond warmup.

BBing is about looking pretty in front of other people... PLing is a numbers game. Weight, height, B/S/D, age, natural/juicer, et cetera.

On the interwebs, it seems every juicing bodybuilder is near elite-level with their lifts anyway, so unless they can pull it off in a comp, it's chalked up as a gym lift and taken with a grain of salt.

 

[gonelifting]

lol @ all the haters

how many of you are developed enough to be talking trash about such machines?

pics of said muscles developed on manly man machines or stfu

If the question was for buying ONE piece of equipment, then a MACHINE is not really the way to go. Even if it works well, which it does have it's flaws, it isn't better than the power rack which allows you to do natural movements and be safe at the same time.

Is a smith machine worthless? No, it has it's uses... But it shouldn't be THE primary machine you build your home gym around. It can be one of many pieces of equipment, but not THE piece to buy.


<---- avatar..."You too can look like this with a power rack." lol Like I said, I gave away my Smith last week. I just needed the room. I could have still used it.

 

[swole]

Never tried repping near my max, so no, I haven't. I don't know of any PLers who deadlift for reps beyond warmup.

BBing is about looking pretty in front of other people... PLing is a numbers game. Weight, height, B/S/D, age, natural/juicer, et cetera.

On the interwebs, it seems every juicing bodybuilder is near elite-level with their lifts anyway, so unless they can pull it off in a comp, it's chalked up as a gym lift and taken with a grain of salt.

i don't care what my lifts are in a comp

as long as i look like i can bench, squat, deadlift, curl, press, pull more than 1.98 million pounds

i want my shoulders to look like bowling balls

and i want to knock people over with my lats as i walk by

and if that happens, then naturally my lifts will be up there

 

[biteme]

I've been working out on nearly all machines for the past year and I've gained muscle. I throw out that bullshit conventional unproven wisdom out the window. If the muscles move under resistance, they grow. Simple as that. Machines are sometimes more effective than free weights.

 

[Smurfy]

I've been working out on nearly all machines for the past year and I've gained muscle. I throw out that bullshit conventional unproven wisdom out the window. If the muscles move under resistance, they grow. Simple as that. Machines are sometimes more effective than free weights.

dude just admit that you've secretly been using a bowflex in your garage.

 

[samoth]

i don't care what my lifts are in a comp

as long as i look like i can bench, squat, deadlift, curl, press, pull more than 1.98 million pounds

i want my shoulders to look like bowling balls

and i want to knock people over with my lats as i walk by

and if that happens, then naturally my lifts will be up there

... but that's what I've been trying to say. What PLers and BBers care about is completely different. Many BBers are strong, and many PLers but BBers to shame. The whole point of this thread was to show that power racks >> smith machines, powerlifters >> bodybuilders, and psychologists >> juicing engineers.

HTH

 

[samoth]

I've been working out on nearly all machines for the past year and I've gained muscle. I throw out that bullshit conventional unproven wisdom out the window. If the muscles move under resistance, they grow. Simple as that. Machines are sometimes more effective than free weights.

Dude, do you want this thread to die or something? Pick a side and vehemently defend it while slandering the other side as much as possible, dammit.

 

[the_clockwork]

lol @ all the haters

how many of you are developed enough to be talking trash about such machines?

pics of said muscles developed on manly man machines or stfu

Use to use smith machine religiously.. bash all you want

 

[the_clockwork]

"Star Trac's Max Rack 3-D Smith Machine"

Well, uhh, yeah.

Sorry.

it's nearly identical to free weights movement

 

[samoth]

it's nearly identical to free weights movement

"Max Rack 3-D Smith is a complete self-spotting workout system that mimics free weight lifting."

HTH

 

[the_clockwork]

"Max Rack 3-D Smith is a complete self-spotting workout system that mimics free weight lifting."

HTH

ya I know I use to use it all the time cuz I lifted alone.. i was posting it for swole who was bashing smith machines and only "weak" guys push them.. I got 19.5" arms and bench 365lbs.. wouldn't consider myself "weak" for using it.

 

[jh1]

it's nearly identical to free weights movement

It's one axis closer... but it's still missing the axis movement of side to side. And it still adds some resistance to forward/aft movements... definetly awesome if you're moving the big weights solo style..

Def getting you jacked....

 

[the_clockwork]

It's one axis closer... but it's still missing the axis movement of side to side. And it still adds some resistance to forward/aft movements... definetly awesome if you're moving the big weights solo style..

Def getting you jacked....

I've never used a "smith" machine I've always used the maxrack and I don't know if people talk shit about me for using it at the gym or not b/c people sure do bash a lot on it here.. never heard anyone snicker at me but I'm pretty in the zone lifting

 

[samoth]

ya I know I use to use it all the time cuz I lifted alone.. i was posting it for swole who was bashing smith machines and only "weak" guys push them.. I got 19.5" arms and bench 365lbs.. wouldn't consider myself "weak" for using it.

Quit comparing yourself to others' standards. I don't you, so you very well may be weak. Only you can find your true potential, and free weights and big compound movements are an area often negleted by traditional bodybuilder workout regimes that test one's true potential.

Often, one can spot a pure bodybuilder when seeing him or her attempt to walk the weight out of a rack, lol.

 

[samoth]

I've never used a "smith" machine I've always used the maxrack and I don't know if people talk shit about me for using it at the gym or not b/c people sure do bash a lot on it here.. never heard anyone snicker at me but I'm pretty in the zone lifting

Dude, the bashing is all done with a grain of salt. It's meant to be humorous.

Besides, everyone knows that powerlifters are simply better in every single walk of life compared to that of their thick-skulled, small-brained, ape-like bodybuilding counterparts.

 

[the_clockwork]

Dude, the bashing is all done with a grain of salt. It's meant to be humorous.

Besides, everyone knows that powerlifters are simply better in every single walk of life compared to that of their thick-skulled, small-brained, ape-like bodybuilding counterparts.

haha I'm not a BB or a PL'er but I think I could competitively compete (prolly not win) with some amateurs in both sports

 

[samoth]

haha I'm not a BB or a PL'er but I think I could competitively compete (prolly not win) with some amateurs in both sports

Seriously, go for it. Great atmosphere and motivation.

 

[JohnRobHolmes]

I think pretty much opposite of you, swole. I would say it like this:

I dont care what the tape reads around my arms

as long as i can increase bench, squat, deadlift, press, and pull more weight as I progress

i want my lifts to be up there

and i want knock out pullups with my lats like I was born hanging from a tree

and if that happens, then naturally my body will be swole

And I think smith machines are good for rehab, but should not be taking up space in my gym when we dont even have a power rack or cage. If I want to fluff my muscles I will use dumbells.

 

[the_clockwork]

I think pretty much opposite of you, swole. I would say it like this:




And I think smith machines are good for rehab, but should not be taking up space in my gym when we dont even have a power rack or cage. If I want to fluff my muscles I will use dumbells.

please.. post some pics of these big muscles that dumbells created!

 

[Lestat]

i do smith squats

 

[samoth]

i do smith squats

You should try smith zercher squats.

 

[the_clockwork]

r u a PLer samoth?

 

[JohnRobHolmes]

please.. post some pics of these big muscles that dumbells created!

I dont use dumbells right now, just focusing on c&j, squat, bench, pullup, and core for the most part. My motivation is to keep my back injury free and keep me moving. Lower back injuries suck.

Once I get up to snuff in a year or so (1.5xbw bench, 1 arm pullup, and 2xbw squat is the goal), Ill add some curl jockey time to my routine.

 

[string_bean00]

I've never once picked up a barbell with intention of making myself more appealing to the opposite sex -- I do it for myself and myslef alone. BBers are too externally influenced.

my lifting is probably like 70% motivated to be hot to chicks

 

[JohnRobHolmes]

my lifting is probably like 70% motivated to be hot to chicks

I would say my best friend is 100% motivated by hot chicks. It is hard to have a conversation with him about lifting because we are totally opposite in motivation. I will say he has a lot more drive than me though. Them womens have a pretty powerful influence.

 

[caligirl]

my lifting is probably like 70% motivated to be hot to chicks

tell you fucking what.... it works.

speaking for myself here... I'd much rather be with a guy who takes care of himself, puts time and effort into his appearance and has a nice body any day. Men with muscles catch my eye every time= hawt.
Men without don't.

 

[jackangel]

tell you fucking what.... it works.

speaking for myself here... I'd much rather be with a guy who takes care of himself, puts time and effort into his appearance and has a nice body any day. Men with muscles catch my eye every time= hawt.
Men without don't.

so you'd rather have a jacked dude with no brains and no class (string_bean), as opposed to a really smart/interesting/funny/charming dude (jackangel)?

probably. oh well...i can always get jacked.



string, just kidding...


























































you do have brains.

 

[Lestat]

my lifting is probably like 70% motivated to be hot to chicks

I'm 90% at least. I put on 30 lbs 5 years ago or so and started getting laid more than ever, almost 10 fold more. Also making more money helps too.

 

[string_bean00]

so you'd rather have a jacked dude with no brains and no class (string_bean), as opposed to a really smart/interesting/funny/charming dude (jackangel)?

probably. oh well...i can always get jacked.



string, just kidding...


























































you do have brains.

lol, I swear that as I got bigger I started putting less and less effort into having a personality

 

[biteme]

lol, I swear that as I got bigger I started putting less and less effort into having a personality

Why put out all that effort when you don't have to? It's too much work to be charming, debonair, etc. I just stand there and wait. Use your body, not your brain, it's much easier.

 

[ceo]

only thing I use em for is close grip bench

 

[javaguru]

can any of you powerlifters deadlift more than 450lb for 4 reps?

Yes, my first working set is 473x5(I have 2 odd 44lb wheels)

613x2

After my bulk, 250 lbs @ 5'10"

 

[Sub-Zero]

i don't care what my lifts are in a comp

as long as i look like i can bench, squat, deadlift, curl, press, pull more than 1.98 million pounds

i want my shoulders to look like bowling balls

and i want to knock people over with my lats as i walk by

and if that happens, then naturally my lifts will be up there

same!!!!!!!

i still want to lift big though

 

[Sub-Zero]

Use to use smith machine religiously.. bash all you want

this is a cocky as shit post on your part but ur really hot so oh well

 

[Phaded]

Make sure you subtract 20-50 pounds from each lift. That's generally what people lose when they try to max with a barbell.

well considering i incline 350 for reps on smith who cares..

 

[Smurfy]

Use to use smith machine religiously.. bash all you want

i didnt know you were hot. howcome you never told me this?

 

[the_clockwork]

i didnt know you were hot. howcome you never told me this?

I'm sorry but I have small balls due to the steroids

 

[gonelifting]

THIS was the original post/question. He's not buying a gym full of equipment. He wants one piece and wants safety.

Which would be the first piece of equipment to buy for a home gym? A smith machine or a power rack? If you choose the power rack, you're not neccessarily dissing the Smith.

WTF? Sometimes I wish I could still ban people. Samoth included. I may just lock this fucking thread.

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.

 

[the_clockwork]

THIS was the original post/question. He's not buying a gym full of equipment. He wants one piece and wants safety.

Which would be the first piece of equipment to buy for a home gym? A smith machine or a power rack? If you choose the power rack, you're not neccessarily dissing the Smith.

WTF? Sometimes I wish I could still ban people. Samoth included. I may just lock this fucking thread.

he wasn't asking for what piece he should buy he was asking y people diss the smith machine. I was backing the smith machine..

I wish you could ban people too, only if your name was at the top of the list

 

[Phaded]

pwnage