smith Machine

[ark]

I would like opinions on the Smith Machine. What are your thoughts on using this piece of equipment?

I've asked this on another forum, but I feel I may get more responses from professionals here.

[GG300]

Most folks around here are not very thrilled with the Smith machine. The only exercise that I have actually seen suggested to be done on the Smith is the inverted rows. The problem that people have with the Smith is the unnatural range of movement that the machine forces you to use. There may be other problems but that seems to be the big one.

[Victoria]

Uh oh.....

[Lisa~]

You might enjoy reading this lengthy but informative thread:

Quote of the Year (no, century) from Muscle and Fiction

[Lisa~]

If you still want to read more...

Eric Cressey's 10 Uses for a Smith Machine

I’m not usually a fan of Paul Chek, but here is a two-part article of his that is actually very good.

Pattern Overload Part 1
(very long, but very good information, uses bench press as main example)

Pattern Overload Part 2

[ark]

I'm asking because I talked to a PT who has a CSCS. I asked him why many of the trainers at our gym put their clients on the smith machine. He said if done correctly, it is a good piece of equipment. Which floored me.... I have always read such negative reviews.

He also said the abductor/adductor machines had their place as well......

[ark]

Originally Posted by Lisa~

If you still want to read more...

Eric Cressey's 10 Uses for a Smith Machine

This was great! I will be saving this link for the future!!! I think it would be so funny to do this at the gym......


Thanks for all the great links! I've saved them and copy/pasted a few of the discussions on the thread you posted. You are such a great help!!!

[Cynic]

Originally Posted by ark

I'm asking because I talked to a PT who has a CSCS. I asked him why many of the trainers at our gym put their clients on the smith machine. He said if done correctly, it is a good piece of equipment. Which floored me.... I have always read such negative reviews.

He also said the abductor/adductor machines had their place as well......

Mike Robertson told me some CSCSs don't know a damned thing. I had never met one that didn't, but now I know they exist.

He would be better served learning about lateral lunges, traveling lunges, cross over lunges/step ups.