Smith machine VS Dead wieght.......?

[clubbench9999]

I was just wondering, I use the smith machine for my seated military press and was wondering about the weight.
Example: If i was doing 2 plates on the smith compared to 2 plates dead, dead wieght = 225lbs. How much weight does the smith machine affect?

 

[thorsky]

Huge difference IMO. Your not using the stabilizers with the smith. Never use the smith myself.

 

[bleachcola]

And most smith machine bars only weight 15-25 lbs., not the traditional 45 lbs. for Olympic sets.

 

[Slightly Enhanced]

I think the smith machine offers many benefits, however it is not the same as free weights. As far as the weight difference, that would really depend on the machine itself. They are all slightly different.

You are not going to be able to compare the weights in an exact amount.

 

[Bimmer]

The smith in my gym sucks. I can move the bar with my finger but it wobbles sortf of defeting the whole purpose of the smith machine. ANyway I feel they are only good for an injury while its healing. Other wise stickl to free weights. Nature designed your body for it.

 

[string_bean00]

Smith machines vary so much it's crazy. On some an unloaded bar will practically float in place, while others it feels almost as heavy as a 45.

 

[hornedfrogs07]

The smith in my gym back home was a true 45lb Olympic bar, just attached to bearings/brackets that would slide up and down the posts. It had no counterbalance, so it actually worked well for the military press, like you're talking about. Saved me many injuries, I believe. Now i just use dumbells to get my seated mil. presses. I believe that they work the delts much better.

 

[gunz]

Step away from the smith and get those stabilizer muscles in shape.

 

[Insane_Man]

I hate the sound of the one at my gym when guys are going like mad doing pussy squats or shoulder presses.

 

[string_bean00]

There's one dude at my gym who does EVERYTHING on the smith. Everytime I see him come in, he'll do an entire hour long workout at the smith machine. It's ridiculous.

 

[thorsky]

There's one dude at my gym who does EVERYTHING on the smith. Everytime I see him come in, he'll do an entire hour long workout at the smith machine. It's ridiculous.

I think EVERY other guy at my gym does everything on the smith. It's funny to watch. Two guys have actually warned me about squatting so low with no belt. I just nodded and ingnored them.

 

[prl]

I don't use the smith machine for anything it's very deceptive. Plus the stabilizer muscles aren't in play.

We have guys all cocky cos they can bench 3 to 4 plates on each end of the smith, but get a wake up call when they try it on a normal bench. Same applies to Squats and shoulder presses.
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[clubbench9999]

thanks every one the shoulder mil is the only thing I use the smith for but will start using the dead wieght.

 

[Insane_Man]

When I first started squatting, I used the smith just because I was worried about form. One time I came in and the machine was busy with some fags using it for bench (why would you bother when there's 3 of you?!). Anyways, I saw a guy at the squat rack doing the weight I would be doing so I asked to work in. On the negative, I almost lost my balance. I was so embarassed that I vowed never to use the smith again. It was a light weight even for 15 reps!

 

[Uk Boy]

Hold on guys, ease up on the Smith bashing for it has its place. I train alone and only the smith machine will allow me to go to absolute failure and still be able to rack the bar.

I only use it for Incline presses and military presses and it has been a great servant to me in my routines.

 

[Z00]

I agree with UK Boy. I know that free weights are better but if you are training alone, which is what I also do, I think the smith machine is a good tool. I use it just for squats though. MP I do with dumbbells.

 

[cbpumped]

I only use the smith machine for squats and sometimes military press. I have found squatting with it helps me keep my back from hurting. I sometimes just rap out with 225 or so on there until I hit failure. Other times I go as high as 395 or so for reps. I haven't personally seen a loss in growth or shape in my legs by using the smith machine. I think several pro's swear by them for doing squatts due to the safty factor it has on your back. Just my .02 cents.