Thread: what's the difference between a smith and a bench?

The smith is a good machine but it takes out the use of stabilizer muscles because the bar is on a fixed track

Your better off using a regular bench but the smith can be handy as well.

Smith does all the stabalizer work for you, I don't really like them but I did used to use them for squats, and sometimes shoulders.

Bench


Smith


There is a big difference in how they look

Smith machines do not take all your stabilizers out of the movement.
They are a fine piece of equipment for bodybuilders, just use it wisely like any other piece of equipment.
This whole "functional" fad has placed machines as being evil things.

Pic i saw on the exrx site of the guy doing the workout and they looked exactly the same.

guess they do kinda look different

Some of us like different things, I like some machines, but for the most part not others. Taking most of the machines out of my backworkout, made all the difference, almost instantly.

the smith machine looks like one wouldnt need a spotter.

or am i just seeing it wrong?

i was thinking of using the smith because i dont have a spotter, and asking random strangers is odd. :\

One big difference between using a Smith and a free bench is that the bar does not follow the natural arc created by the movement when it travels on the Smith machine track. For example, a bench press is not supposed to go straight up and down, it is supposed to have a slight curve inward over the chest.

Another difference is the weight of the bar...it can be anywhere from 15 pounds (most common in new machines) to the regular 45 pounds (old school machines) depending on the amount of counterbalancing.

Originally posted by ponyboy
One big difference between using a Smith and a free bench is that the bar does not follow the natural arc created by the movement when it travels on the Smith machine track. For example, a bench press is not supposed to go straight up and down, it is supposed to have a slight curve inward over the chest.
Actually, there are some Smiths (like the one at my gym) that have an angle to them so that they don't just go up and down but at around 15 deg slant.
I've tried ones that only are on a 90 deg and i see why so many hate the smith, if you get a chance try one thats on a slope

Originally posted by NickB
the smith machine looks like one wouldnt need a spotter.

or am i just seeing it wrong?

i was thinking of using the smith because i dont have a spotter, and asking random strangers is odd. :\

its true that you don't need a spotter, you can set the pins so that the bar stops just above chest (if your benching)
However, I would still try to use free weights as much as you can, try DB and I've even used the squat cage for bench, some people may wonder what the hell your up to but it works great!!

if a spotter is what you are worrried about you could always use a power rack.

Maybe you saw him doing benches in a power rack before. One nice thing about the smith is as you noticed, no spotter really needed.

Don't be afraid of asking strangers to spot. The healthy looking people are all there with common goals, and would probably be willing to help if it doesn't interfere with their routine. Great way to meet people.

I don't mind asking people for a spot, the problem is most don't really know how and nothing messes a set up more than when someone grabs the weight up instead of letting you work a little.

I'll use my DB, thanks anyway.