I wanna know what you guy think whats better safer more effective,and overall what helps you more with chest please answer away i really need to know i currently use the smith machine.
2007-09-23 10:37:06 · 5 answers · asked by kage 1 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
free weights hands down. machines only operate in 2 of the 3 planes of motion. this restricts the movement, does not allow all of the stabilizer muscles to get activated and over time with heavy weights can cause a condition called pattern overload.
2007-09-23 10:48:05 · answer #1 · answered by lv_consultant 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Smith machine is good when you're alone or you don't have anyone there to spot you. But it has it's flaws it doesn't make you use your stabilizing muscles. When I used it I never felt as I was working very hard.
The Olympic bar is alot better because you have to use your stabilizer muscles and balance the bar and weight. When you go up it's alot harder because it's all you and not a pulley and you like the Smith Machine. Also you can have a spotter spot you on an olympic bar and probably go heavier than on a smith machine. I'd recommend doing everything with an Olympic bar because it will build you stronger and quicker than the Smith Machine...but if you're by yourself use the smith machine to go heavier but olympic bar to do what you know you can do if you go heavier it can be dangerous.
2007-09-23 11:57:32 · answer #2 · answered by neverbackaway 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Smith Machine is good for when you are training alone and going very heavy. It only moves up and down -- no concern about losing balance.
However, this is also its drawback.
Otherwise, unless you have specific limitations preventing you from doing so, use an Olympic Bar (i.e., free weights). You need to teach your muscles how to balance and stabilize weight; otherwise, you will develop strength without stability and balance (the Smith Machine takes away the need to control the bar).
If you've never used an Olympic Bar for benchpresses, et cetera -- I would recommend you go light and have someone watch your form. If you're used to using the Smith Machine, chances are that you have some muscular imbalances (for instance, the bar may tilt one way; one arm will shake while the other will be perfectly still). Work on correcting any imbalances (you can try using dumbbells for this, too).
2007-09-23 10:43:06 · answer #3 · answered by Robbie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't have a spotter use the smith machine. The Olympic bar is the best because it uses you stabilizer muscles. You have to remember when using the smith machine to take up to 30lbs off of the weight you are lifting. The smith machine it set up on a pulley type system so the weight of the bar is less.
2007-09-23 12:00:30 · answer #4 · answered by scott w 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NOONE ANSWERED LMAO AND NEITHER AM I *****
2007-09-23 10:42:03 · answer #5 · answered by J J 1 · 0⤊ 4⤋