Thread: free weights vs smith machine

go with the free weights...like u said it will improve ur stabilizers..going on a smith is like a cheat...plus i'm not sure how good it is for ur body to move up and down in a straight linear motion when bping...ask Mr.Funk

I cannot flat bench on a smith it kills my shoulders because it does NOT allow for anything resembling natural movement. I have used it before and its no wonder I was always being held back.

I was using it for incline work awhile back but now no longer even that. As for flat benching I can't even bench what I do without it, and its an assisted smith, it not only hurts but I can't get proper form with it at all.

go with free weights.. you'll be better off

Two things covered here:

* Many smith machines are assisted! Lift the bar, it may seem like its only 20-25 pounds, not 45.
* No stabalizer muscles really utilized, 'cheating' a natural movement

if you workout at home and don't go to a gym how do you reach failure w/o a spotter? I thought thats what would be good with the smith. Is there a set up that you can go with at home that you won't drop wieghts on your head while benching etc.?

yes, use a pwoer rack and set the saftey pins in right near your chest.

I think barbell in power rack is heavier than that in the smith machine. but how heavier? i am lazy to check out

Moth smith machines are assisted, I figure 15-25 pounds. The bar itself is no lighter, its the machine "making" it act lighter, there is probably enough chain weighted inside the machine to do this.

Easyb:

I’ve had a Power Rack at home for a few years now and that’s definitely the way to go
if you want to train at home safely. Power Racks have safety spotters which you can adjust to any height ( using pins) depending on the type of lift you are attempting. These spotters keep the bar from crashing down on you. They are safer than real spotters. I’ve dropped monstrous weights and they’ve saved my ass each time.

You can do bench presses, squats, military presses, you name it. Most also have a bar you can use for pullups. Smith machines are rubbish and are actually more expensive than Racks. Just get a good (flat, incline,decline bench) an olympic bar and some plates and you’d swear you were at the gym. Minus ofcourse all the distractions and blaring cheesy music.

can you get a power rack like you are talking about with a lat pulldown? low row? all in one. if so what brand? thanks

Many of them offer attachments.