Smith machine for pec development ... Your Thoughts ?

[Zomb131]

Ever seen Markus Ruhl's video? Wide incline smith is what he loves to do.

 

[midevil]

I just started using smith flat bench because I'm tired of dumb bells and hammer machines. Let me tell you the smith is a great way to get back under a barbell if you have shoulder issues like most older guys. Narrow grip smith flat bench almost takes your delt completely out of the lift.

If you're older / injured shoulder try the smith fellas you will not be disappointed I promise you.

 

[GiantSlayer]

I like to do explosions on the smith where I let go of the bar at the top like I'm throwing the weight. Can't do that on free weights. Otherwise its barbells and dumbells. I find if I try to do flatbench on the smith I'm almost always using lower chest like a decline.

 

[Stumpy]

I like to do explosions on the smith where I let go of the bar at the top like I'm throwing the weight. Can't do that on free weights. Otherwise its barbells and dumbells. I find if I try to do flatbench on the smith I'm almost always using lower chest like a decline.

What are the benefits to doing this? I'd imagine there's plenty of room for injury doing it like that.

 

[Bro Bundy]

smith is cool if u dont have a spotter.If u got a spotter free bar all day

 

[J-dub]

I like to do explosions on the smith where I let go of the bar at the top like I'm throwing the weight. Can't do that on free weights. Otherwise its barbells and dumbells. I find if I try to do flatbench on the smith I'm almost always using lower chest like a decline.

I guess I'd argue you aren't using enough weight if you throwing the bar up and out of your hands

 

[Hero Swole]

Smith is good for incline every once in a while. But imo barbell should be your foundation. Unless youve had injuries in the past and your an old man.

 

[big_paul_ski]

I guess I'd argue you aren't using enough weight if you throwing the bar up and out of your hands

I have actually seen a kid doing this with very little weight at my gym. I thought they were just tards screwing around. I have never seen this before or heard of it being done by experienced lifters. Pretty damn dangerous if you asked me.

 

[GiantSlayer]

LOL. It's not about the weight with explosions. It's about contracting as hard and as fast as you can. Its not dangerous. Use about 95 lbs. There is more than one way to create force. And don't assume I never go heavy. This was an example of what I use a smith for.

 

[smash]

The 'explosions' are for power development. The speed that you can move the bar becomes more important than the weight. It can be a useful exercise for those involved in power sports where horizontal pressing is a primary movement. Depending on various factors I might use it for an athlete such as a boxer.

 

[shortz]

I used to think that using a smith was horrible and stupid. I used to think that using any machine would put me at a great disadvantage. After sustaining some injuries over the years that have forced me in to doing some things that I wouldn't have done before, I have come to a conclusion; the biggest difference in using a machine vs free weights, is the effort you put in to it. THere are times that I think I might have an advantage if I could do a BB flat bench, but, based on my gains in size, I don't feel that it has effected me as much as I thought it would.

If something hurts, don't do it. If something feels good, do it. Experiment with everything and form your own conclusion. Besides, I still see lots of pros using machines from time to time too. Not all the time, but they have their place, IMO

 

[J-dub]

LOL. It's not about the weight with explosions. It's about contracting as hard and as fast as you can. Its not dangerous. Use about 95 lbs. There is more than one way to create force. And don't assume I never go heavy. This was an example of what I use a smith for.

I wasn't saying it's dangerous.... I think I'll stick to bands and chains to work on explosiveness, lol