Smith machine

[jayburton]

I would like some comments from the forum on a Smith machine vs. free weights. The Precor 802 Smith machine w/bench we have at city hall seems like a good deal for home use due to all the safety features. But, internet comments say it is harder on the back and knees and leaves out balancing muscles..all bad. But how bad?

[krazyduck]

Needs moar hipdrive of course.

[hollismb]

You don't see the huge difference between having to control the path of the bar, and balance yourself and the load while doing it, versus using a machine that does it for you?

[Fiddler]

A decent power rack and bench would probably be a lot less expensive, take up less room, and give you better results. If I were working out at home, that's all I'd want.

[krazyduck]

How obvious does this guy have to be before you realize he's a troll?

[Brodie Butland]

I know only three people who have experienced really severe injuries while squatting. All three were using a Smith machine when they were injured. It doesn't surprise me. The Smith machine doesn't allow for natural movement.

[Rook]

..all bad. But how bad?

real bad



here is a short vid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=IHBLxCPmnVc

edit: why is this not embedded?

[idlehands]

Saw one site say you use up to 60% less muscle on a smith machine. Do it !

[G1981C]

i don't see how a smith machine is safer for you. it may be safer for people AROUND you because you can't drop the weight on them, but i don't see how it is safer for YOU. in a commercial gym i would feel a lot safer next to a smith machine than a guy squatting, but if i was squatting myself i would rather not use that piece of degeneracy.

lastly, i have NEVER heard of anybody buying a smith machine for home use.

if you don't know what to do with money we could give you ideas. there are endless ways to spend money on a home gym - just don't buy a smith machine.

If you want a top notch power cage look at Hammer Strength and Rae Crowther, although your ceilings may not be tall enough to fit some power cages - in that case Rogue makes ones that are 90" tall and will fit with standard 96" ceiling.

[Dave Paauwe]

The smith machine makes for a really good adjustable height chin-up bar.