How to scientifically argue against Smith machine?

[Giri Kotte]

Hello Rip,

I am trying to convince my office gym management to replace the existing Smith machine with a power-rack so that users can do barbell squats. I personally feel pain and discomfort in lower back and knees when doing Smith squats but, I do not have such problems when I do free dumbbell squats with comparatively more weight.
Please help me to build a persuasive argument against Smith machine especially in terms of negative health impact on the user.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Just tell them it's gay, and you're a pussy if you do squats on a smith machine.

[Brian Harlin]

Just tell them it's gay, and you're a pussy if you do squats on a smith machine.

Are you trying to inflame the Turks and the pussies this time? The Turk was entertaining, but nobody likes an inflamed pussy.

[Músculo-Tonto]

Hello Rip,

I am trying to convince my office gym management to replace the existing Smith machine with a power-rack so that users can do barbell squats. I personally feel pain and discomfort in lower back and knees when doing Smith squats but, I do not have such problems when I do free dumbbell squats with comparatively more weight.
Please help me to build a persuasive argument against Smith machine especially in terms of negative health impact on the user.

Tell them about your pain, provide evidence to show how the SMachine's causing it, and go from there.
General Rippetoe's advice is much more to the point, but being so tactlessly blunt (although accurate), may get you more resistance.

M-T

[Giri Kotte]

Just tell them it's gay, and you're a pussy if you do squats on a smith machine.

The most practical way for me to get the Smith machine to be replaced is to raise an ergonomic concern and provide scientific argument as to why it will end-up hurting the user. I googled for research papers but wasn't able to find anything conclusive (guess it will take time for the scientists to validate facts). I was provided with this and this as a counter argument.
Unless I can build a scientifically valid argument against Smith machine, I am stuck with squatting with two 66lbs dumbbells placed vertically on each shoulder :-)

[Jonathon Sullivan]

http://startingstrength.com/articles...2_sullivan.pdf

Pages 7-8, and attendant references, should get you started on your quest. Good luck.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Unless I can build a scientifically valid argument against Smith machine, I am stuck with squatting with two 66lbs dumbbells placed vertically on each shoulder :-)

You said "office gym management". Did you actually mean "The Warden"?

[Kent Berry]

Tell them they can most likely sell the stupid Smith machine to a sucker for more than a decent power cage would cost. If that doesn't get their interest, I don't know what will.

Or see if they'll spring for some squat racks. Those are pretty cheap.

[Adam Skillin]

Please help me to build a persuasive argument against Smith machine.

I have to counsel you not to argue against a Smith Machine. Aside from being excellent coat racks, they tend to be avid debaters and learned users of complex rhetorical devices.

[Giri Kotte]

http://startingstrength.com/articles...2_sullivan.pdf

Pages 7-8, and attendant references, should get you started on your quest. Good luck.

The final conclusion is "paucity of data". So, it isn't conclusive.