kovacs?

[Geno_O]

There are sometimes big differences in Smith machines and
weights handled. I can do a full parallel 505 pound free squat.
On the Smith Machine where I work out, I can do 550. The
Smith Machine that is in the gym where I work is a brutal
monster. I can barely get a set of five at 315 pounds on
the one at my work place.

 

[Aussie Juga naught]

And one more thing the smith machine is WAY easier then free weights. You are the only person in the history of my gym time to have ever said that.

Na the smith machine in my gym is the same, I can lift more with free weights, so he is not the only person.

 

[Lumberg]

He looks like a comic book character in this picture:

I forget the name of the character but he's green.

JC

 

[BodybuildingUniverse]

Na the smith machine in my gym is the same, I can lift more with free weights, so he is not the only person.

I think it just depends on the machine. A real high end smith is WAY easier than free weights. People use the smith in my gym WAY too much because it allows them to use more weight. ego.

 

[Screwball]

Remember...

Some Smith Machines are counter-balanced and some are not. As far as I'm concerned the Smith Machine doesn't exist.

 

[Arioch]

The ability of one to use a smith machine will not only depend on whether it is counter-balanced or not, but also on the individuals strength curve and the path the bar actually travels during the lift. For example, my squat is nowhere near a straight line, as even with the bar high I still use a lot of back, and trying to squat in a smith machine would completely kill me. Somebody who presses in a straight line should find it easier.

If you really want to get something out of these things, find someone curling in the squat rack and hang them from it.

 

[powerlifterjay]

Ya know what? Iam with screwball 100% on this. I shouldnt have even given my 2 cents. As far as i am concerend the smith machine does not exist. I use it for absolutley nothing. Its worthless to me. I would just assume skip my workout then train on it. In fact i would be embarrased if any one happen to even see me on it! LOL!

 

[Screwball]

If you really want to get something out of these things, find someone curling in the squat rack and hang them from it.

Arioch: I hear you loud and clear. You can curl anywhere in a gym. Why take up the damn power rack??? I hate these people... (LOL!)

Jay: Smith Machines are good for hanging your gear (shirts, suits, belts, etc..) on when you're not using them and between sets. (LOL!)

This guy, Smith, should be beaten daily for inventing a piece of equipment that is worthless. Squatting and deadlifting on a Smith Machine; could you be any more pathetic.

 

[Geno_O]

As some of you know I am an older lifter. The heavy free squat
worried me. I used the Smith for about a year to move heavy
weights. I got to 550 on the Smith with belt and wraps. A
month or so of free squatting and I was able to tranlate the
Smith work into a 505 free squat with belt and lousy wraps. The
Smith helped me gain confidence and the will to move bigger
weight.

Now I am on to box squats, GMs, etc. Hope to move even larger
amounts of weight with a squat suit, good belt, decent wraps
and better form. I have the Smith to thank for helping get me to
the heavy free weight path. It served its purpose.

I will continue to use the Smith machine I have in my basement
gym. It will probably never see another squat from me but I
will use it to do pull ups.

 

[Screwball]

We are ragging on the Smith Machine but I'm sure it has its uses and some trainers get good results. It's just not for me. Any free weight movement can't be beat in my opinion.