Smith machine vs free weights

[Lunk1]

Can anyone tell me what the factored in weight difference is between using a smith machine or safety rack to work out vs using a standart squat rack or bench press? Perhaps it's dependant on the equipment but there should be some average.

[MickeyKnox]

Good question Lunk. This comes up all the time in the gym. The main difference, i think, is the stabilizer muscles. I believe that you don't use as many of them while using the smith machine to perform the same exercise as you do with free weights.

Whether that's squats, bench, or military press, the smith machine prevents you from rotating back or forward so those stabilizer muscles are not used during the course of the exercise.

Just my.02.

[Lunk1]

I hear ya there Mick but my undstanding is that the machine weight is different to a degree. Meaning if you are benching 315 on a standard flat bench then you are benching 315 (100%) but on the Smith machine or safety rack it's less than 315 (not 100%)

[MickeyKnox]

I hear ya there Mick but my undstanding is that the machine weight is different to a degree. Meaning if you are benching 315 on a standard flat bench then you are benching 315 (100%) but on the Smith machine or safety rack it's less than 315 (not 100%)

Oh i gotcha. Yeah i have to agree with that. Not sure of the exact difference though. Must be somewhere around the 20% mark, if i had to guess.

[JohnnyVegas]

The weight shouldn't change, but the bar is counter weighted so you wouldn't add in the full 45 pound bar.

[reconjeep]

Why would you want to use a Smith Machine if you a rack and a bench?

[Wazz]

At our gum we lifted the bar in the 1st Smith (newer) with a scale & it was lifted with 4 lbs. The second needed almost 6lbs.

I "figure" about 35-40lbs less depending on the bar. Bar being 45 or 55 pounds depending on if the collars are used. Usually smith being 45 counterbalanced to what seems 5 lbs at our gym.

[Lunk1]

So am I hearing subtract 5lbs due to the counter balance? Doesnt seem like enough!

Why use it...@recon. Safer lifting with no spotter and being a small gym sometimes it's open when the other 1 rack and 1 bench are not!

[MickeyKnox]

So am I hearing subtract 5lbs due to the counter balance? Doesnt seem like enough!

Why use it...@recon. Safer lifting with no spotter and being a small gym sometimes it's open when the other 1 rack and 1 bench are not!

No. They are saying subtract 40. It only takes 5-6lbs to move the bar on the smith, according to the others. I agree.

[Lunk1]

No. They are saying subtract 40. It only takes 5-6lbs to move the bar on the smith, according to the others. I agree.

That sucks lol!!!!

Thought I was benching 375 lol!

[Times Roman]

Why would you want to use a Smith Machine if you a rack and a bench?

for one, you can go heavier and to total failure on a smith without a spotter.

[MickeyKnox]

That sucks lol!!!!

Thought I was benching 375 lol!

The smith machine is a real confidence builder, that's for sure lol

for one, you can go heavier and to total failure on a smith without a spotter.

Agreed. The only safe way to go heavy when working out alone.

[Times Roman]

The smith machine is a real confidence builder, that's for sure lol



Agreed. The only safe way to go heavy when working out alone.

I used to go heavy in my back yard gym (solo), had a mishap and my woman had to come save my sorry ass!

[canesfan804]

I always thought the bar was about 25lbs on smith. That sucks cause its all I use for squats. I get very light headed on squats. Been thinking of going into full rack lately.

[kelkel]

That sucks lol!!!!

Thought I was benching 375 lol!

There you go thinking again!

But seriously, I love a smith machine. I work out alone in my basement and it's a god-send in my situation.....

[austinite]

There you go thinking again!

But seriously, I love a smith machine. I work out alone in my basement and it's a god-send in my situation.....

They have basements on the east coast?

[red_hulk]

They have basements on the east coast?

It's more like crawl spaces

[auswest]

Why would you want to use a Smith Machine if you a rack and a bench?

If working with out a spotter and going to failure as you should be.....

[Lunk1]

I have not used the machine often but I think I am going to be a more frequent user in the future. It really adds to my confidence