Would I be better off using a Smith Machine for...

[Madd Hatter]

You thought I was gonna say squats didn't you? No, I was paying attention the first 40 times that thread popped up.

I don't have a workout partner, so of course my intensity suffers. I can't truly lift a taxing weight because I have to get the damn shit out of the rack and then back into the rack. Then yesterday it hit me out of the blue: hey, can't I use the Smith Machine for my bench presses, military presses, etc? I don't think I'd be able to do this a lot, because there's only one smith machine in my gym, but maybe on the days it's more dead.... any reason I don't want to do this?

BTW, I'm already using it for my squats (yeah, I'm a wuss) and when I make my pathetic attempt at bb rows.

 

[gymtime]

SMITH MACHINES...................are for girls..........and the elderly.

Stick to freeweights. Get a spotter on the heavy stuff.

 

[the nature boy]

yup what hank said.

 

[beastboy]

Ask someone at your gym for a spot.....if they say no then they are idiots, but I doubt they will turn you down....

 

[supersizeme]

If you are trying to grow a vagina or attain the ability to break a hip when you fall down, by all means continue on with that smith machine.

 

[b fold the truth]

Stay away from it at all costs. I have not had a lifting partner in about 2 years...and love it.

B True

 

[the People's Champ]

what these guys said. if you are scared with doing free weight squats, or any exercise for that matter, swallow your ego and GO LIGHT. better to go light, and acquire the feel of proper form than to just get by using machines. I was at 315 for squats, until I had found out that I was doing them ALL wrong. I had to reevaluate my form. now I am at 225, weighing in at 178. not bad for an average dude. once you get the form down, the weight comes in second. so don't worry bout lifting heavy weights. once you pass that point, and realize what exercises hit your muscles the right way, you progress faster than you would have if you were still on those machines.

 

[Prometheus]

you're never better off using a Smith machine, for anything.

JMHO


B Fold - I don't think a lifting partner would do you much good anyway. I can't imagine how to spot a guy flipping a goddamn car!!
great pics in those threads in your signature, btw...

 

[b fold the truth]

Hahaaaa...thanks man. Sometimes it would be nice to have a spot on squats or bench or overhead presses though..haha

B True

 

[gettinlarger]

smith machines = horrible range of motion. grab a spotter bro

 

[Lumberg]

b fold--I just checked out the pics too. You da man! Did you rig up that conan's wheel all by yourself?

I can't wait to be watching WSM on ESPN with my buds and be like "I KNOW THAT GUY!!!!"

Keep up the good work!

JC

 

[danielson]

i work out alone, dumbells are a relativly safe option