Addicted to the Smith!

deeturnerjr72 · 10-14-2007, 08:34 PM

Is this a bad thing? I just really like the Smith machine. Especially when there isnt a spotter in the gym. My favorite is squats on the Smith. My other favs are shrugs, deadlift, Military Press, and Rows. I like using it for flat bench if there isnt a spotter so I can push myself to the limit without fear of breaking my neck.
I do mix things up though I dont always use the Smith. Dumbbells are my second favorite then the barbell gets its turn also.
But damn that Smith has a special place in my heart

P.S. I love doing dumbbell bench over barbell for some strange reason.

Am I alone in this?

Beefcake · 10-14-2007, 09:31 PM

I prefer the smith when doing squats and bench when no one else is in the weight room or gym. But you don't want to do eveything with it. After all, there are some muscle that don't get the workout when doing smith because you don't need to be as steady. Use both.

nickyjuan · 10-14-2007, 10:25 PM

the only thing i do is military press on the smith

**Thomas_Rivera** · 10-14-2007, 10:30 PM

It's give and take. I don't think you should be doing deads on the smith machine though, in my opinon deadlifts should always be freeweight to allow for a natural range of motion.

Beefcake · 10-14-2007, 10:34 PM

Cosign. Same with BentOver Rows.

deeturnerjr72 · 10-14-2007, 10:54 PM

Thanks for the advice. I will try to do more with the barbell on rows and deads then. I definitely gonna stick to squats on the smith though. Call me weird maybe, but I really love squats, Ive heard a lot of people just dont like them, but they make me feel great! Usually do at least 4 sets/pyramid on leg/bicep day.

Do any of you prefer dumbbell presses over barbell?
I just feel like Im working more with the dumbbells, more of a pump goes into my chest vs barbell. At least thats whats it seeming like to me.
I still do both, but man I luv the Dbells more. Sometimes Ill hit the barbell first then exhaust with dumbbells. Then sometimes I just dedicate to either one or the other per WO.
I like to keep switching up and confusing the shit out of my muscles

**Thomas_Rivera** · 10-14-2007, 11:15 PM

Everyone in the Dungeon usually incorporates squats into their routine. Seeing as you are pretty new (Welcome by the way) we ostrasize the people that don't do enough leg work, its so funny to see the top heavy tooth pick legged guys walking around.

You should try to put both free and smith squats into your routine. You'll find that freeweights help stability more than machines. But dumbell presses are great. Whatever builds best, you do.

**EastCoast Highlander** · 10-14-2007, 11:37 PM

i just use it for bent over rows and shrugs

HeavyWeightKiller · 10-15-2007, 01:36 AM

I use smith for Military press, squat, and flat/incline bench. most people i know only use smith for the movements they need a spot for but don't have one, and smith is a great way for strength gains as well, hope that helps.

**justlift32** · 10-15-2007, 04:13 PM

personally i hate squats on the smith, it feels weird to me. but everyone is different.

i like the smith for behind the back shrugs and sometimes upright rows.

hey bro welcome to the dungeon by the way!

**chrispghmuscle** · 10-15-2007, 04:19 PM

I have a smith machine in my basement, I love it, but when I have time to hit the local gym.. I mainly use the equipment that I dont have at home.. Variety is the spice of life or body ( in this case)

Chris

skeptic · 10-15-2007, 06:50 PM

i only use the smith machine for bench cus i dont have a training partner