Training & Nutrition - Smith Machine Recomendations

Hi,

We are looking at a Smith Machine, and sort of have our eye on a Marcy at Dicks, but didn't know what else might be a good buy. Would like to stay at or below $1000. Any ideas?

Thanks - John

Hi,

We are looking at a Smith Machine, and sort of have our eye on a Marcy at Dicks, but didn't know what else might be a good buy. Would like to stay at or below $1000. Any ideas?

Thanks - John

I wouldn't recommend Smith machines.

They eliminate the need for your body to use supporting muscles (the muscles used in balancing the weights and the bars) in lifting - which is not good, as those supporting muscles are extremely important.

Instead, get a safety cage with a lat attachment (and a bench and olympic bar), which will allow you to do everything you can do in a Smith machine (and more) safely, and use and build all of those supporting muscles.

You can see one in the background of this pic of my home gym.

http://members.aol.com/dnvrfox/wtroom2.JPG

Hi,

We are looking at a Smith Machine, and sort of have our eye on a Marcy at Dicks, but didn't know what else might be a good buy. Would like to stay at or below $1000. Any ideas?

Thanks - John

I do not have the research with me, but it seems that the Smith may be the culprit of some shoulder injuries.

Someone beat me to it ... the cage appears to be preferable due all the reasons that /\/\ gave

smith machines are good as well. however, home versions at 1000 or less may leave much to be desired. choose wisely...may the shwartz be with you, always.

Denver Fox has a TDS made power rack which is a pretty good deal.

Maybe get some adjustable dumbells as well.

Denver Fox has a TDS made power rack which is a pretty good deal.

Maybe get some adjustable dumbells as well.

It is a Body-Solid which I got on sale on the net - absolutely no shipping charges.

I agree that you should try to stay away from the smith machines. I hate using them because they make my wrists and elbows hurt a little. For $1000 you could probably get a nice cage and bench and have some cash left over for extra weight or dumbells. I don't own a cage so I have no idea how much they cost, but I think the bench cage combo would have to be cheaper than the smith machine. I also think that the combo is going to be much more versatile than the machine. Just my 2 cents.

The newer Smith machines come with the posts angled 7 - 10 degrees which more less mimics the natural human movement on either the Bench press or Squat. Machines that don't can cause some biomechanical ineffecienties in your movement and a possible injury in time. New York Barbell I believe manufactures some at these specific angles. Also the cheaper units when loaded with a good amount of weight can flex and the bar can't unlock.

Along the same lines as Dnvr' and rick1's comments, a trainer told me to avoid smith machines because they don't allow you to balance the weight and maintain correct body alignment through the movement.

Along the same lines as Dnvr' and rick1's comments, a trainer told me to avoid smith machines because they don't allow you to balance the weight and maintain correct body alignment through the movement.
smith machines are good in conjunction with other exercises. did you ever think that there might be times when you don't want to train stabilizing muscles

smith machines are good in conjunction with other exercises. did you ever think that there might be times when you don't want to train stabilizing muscles

What times would those be?

What times would those be?
think isolation

think isolation

Are you into body building?

Check out the racks available at Power Sytems.

http://www.power-systems.com/nav/default.aspx?c=17&sc=83&ssc=86

All less than $600.00

Are you into body building?
no, just general health and vanity:D