smith machines

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i dont like them. i got messed up shoulders too and when i do shoulders i like useing dumbells, and do less weight for chest.

I do use them a lot and like them, but I don't use them exclusively. Dorian Yates used them and that's good enough for me.

i use the smith machine all the time on shoulder presses, i like it better then the dbells, and behind the neck seems better for me, ive put on some size since using it every time its shoulder day, or that could be that i upped the gear amount...BIG ANT 😀

I like them for some things. I'll use em for behind the neck presses or incline bench. Maybe squats too, but that's about it. And really, apart from some cable tris and lats work, that is the only machine I use. Use it if you like it, but you have to pay MORE attention to get proper tecnique and motion (ie better development). IronMike

Slow your rep speed down considerably. You will more than likely notice that this helps reduce the pain and perhaps inflamation. Try a 10-5 rep cadence your chest and shoulder exercises. Also, reduce your volume to 3-5 sets total per week or more. Most injuries are the result of explosive training, or overusing the joint.

Yates used the Smith machine for front shoulder presses after he was injured whilst using massive weights pressing behind the neck. For this reason the smith machine offers greater safety. However, due to the machine running on a fixed plain of motion, ie straight up and straight down, I wouldn't be inclined to use it for press BEHIND the neck as the movement is just too unnatural.

Backhouse has a good point here. Alot of exercises are not in a fixed plain on motion. I know my bench sort of goes in a bananna motion but I do find that for front mil. presses it enables my to work my shoulders with heavier weight. (but I guess that doesn't necessarily mean I'm working them better)

thanks guys

You are on the right track, Backhouse

i always felt that balancing and controling the weight was half the exercise. i don't like smith machines, but i am sure they have there place for some people. 😀

I fucking love the smith machine. AFTER you have exhaused all hope and the barbell is causing more setbacks then progress because of injury, the smith machine is a savior. I still can do decline benches on bar and heavy flies. But front shoulder presses and inclines are on the smith! Pile on the plates! Shoulder pain/injuries (knock on wood) are history! 😀

I don't use the smith machine for anything except for tricep bench. Grab the bar as normal, but when you go down, keep your elbows directly at your side. It's a little difficult to do this with a barbell. It'll tear up your tri's like a motherfucker. Other than that, I could see the benefits of doing squats on a smith, but I don't.

I like the smith for a change of pace but not for too long, you should never get used to lifting on a fixed plane like that. I've also heard that the "unnatural" movement of it can put stress on the joints, especially if used for squatting over a long period of time. I never had any problems, but I never used one for more than a 6 week stint. They're also nice if you don't have a spotter regularly. Beginners (if we have any here) should stay away, develope good form on the free weights 1st.