Smith Machine Exercises

ick578 · 07-05-2010, 11:51 AM

I always have trouble deciding which smith machine to use for different exercises (the angled one or the one perpendicular to the ground). Does it make much of a difference which one you use as long as your consistent? If not, which machine is best for which exercises? I'm mainly looking for answers for squats, cg bench, rg bench, and behind head shoulder presses, but I would like to hear opinions about other exercises also. Thanks

dunhill225 · 07-07-2010, 03:38 AM

Squats and pbns use the vertical one. Most exs just use the one that's most comfortable but on exs that compress the spine use the vertical.

ick578 · 07-07-2010, 04:41 PM

Wow that post is a lifesaver dunhill. I've been doing squats with the angled one, and I have been slowly increasing from a lighter weight since I am recovering from a January disc herniation (today is a smith squat day so I'll make sure to use the vertical one). Definitely want to avoid compressing my spine as much as possible. Also, I've been staring at "pbns" for 5 minutes trying to figure out what it stands for but I give up now.

ScottMcDonough · 07-07-2010, 04:43 PM

I'm guessing he means presses behind the neck.

The angled smith to me is a slightly better feel on the triceps work since you can actively "press towards your feet" and engage the triceps more.

PhoebeusFenix · 07-07-2010, 04:44 PM

Maybe he meant bnsp? behind neck shoulder press?

dunhill225 · 07-08-2010, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ick578

Wow that post is a lifesaver dunhill. I've been doing squats with the angled one, and I have been slowly increasing from a lighter weight since I am recovering from a January disc herniation (today is a smith squat day so I'll make sure to use the vertical one). Definitely want to avoid compressing my spine as much as possible. Also, I've been staring at "pbns" for 5 minutes trying to figure out what it stands for but I give up now.

Lol the others were right, PRESS BEHIND the NECK.

Oh and to be clear squats and such will still compress your spine but in the vertical smith (with proper form) the presure is straight down, the easiest way for your discs and muscles to do their intended job.
Peace.

qbkilla · 07-08-2010, 10:27 PM

im going to sound like an idiot, but can someone post a pic of an angled smith machine? i have been in many gyms and can not picture what this would look like. i thought all smith machines went vertical. guess you learn something new every day.

qbkilla · 07-08-2010, 10:28 PM

just found a pic online, i guess these machines are not common in maryland I have never seen an angled smith before lol.

dunhill225 · 07-08-2010, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qbkilla

just found a pic online, i guess these machines are not common in maryland I have never seen an angled smith before lol.

Shit its hard for me to find a gym that HAS vertical smiths. Often you only find them in the real old school gyms.

07-05-2010, 11:51 AM	#1
ick578 New Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 9	Smith Machine Exercises I always have trouble deciding which smith machine to use for different exercises (the angled one or the one perpendicular to the ground). Does it make much of a difference which one you use as long as your consistent? If not, which machine is best for which exercises? I'm mainly looking for answers for squats, cg bench, rg bench, and behind head shoulder presses, but I would like to hear opinions about other exercises also. Thanks

07-07-2010, 03:38 AM	#2
dunhill225 Light-heavyweight Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Dirty Jersey Posts: 1,198	Squats and pbns use the vertical one. Most exs just use the one that's most comfortable but on exs that compress the spine use the vertical. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. "It is not justice or equal treatment that you grant to men when you abstain equally from praising men's virtues and from condemning men's vices. When your impartial attitude declares, in effect, that neither the good nor the evil may expect anything from you - whom do you betray and whom do you encourage?" Ayn Rand "We smile in the face of some people although our hearts curse them" Abu Darda

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07-07-2010, 04:41 PM	#3
ick578 New Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 9	Wow that post is a lifesaver dunhill. I've been doing squats with the angled one, and I have been slowly increasing from a lighter weight since I am recovering from a January disc herniation (today is a smith squat day so I'll make sure to use the vertical one). Definitely want to avoid compressing my spine as much as possible. Also, I've been staring at "pbns" for 5 minutes trying to figure out what it stands for but I give up now.

07-07-2010, 04:44 PM	#5
PhoebeusFenix Lightweight Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Great Bend Kansas Posts: 330	Maybe he meant bnsp? behind neck shoulder press?

07-08-2010, 10:27 PM	#7
qbkilla Bantamweight Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 102	im going to sound like an idiot, but can someone post a pic of an angled smith machine? i have been in many gyms and can not picture what this would look like. i thought all smith machines went vertical. guess you learn something new every day.

07-08-2010, 10:28 PM	#8
qbkilla Bantamweight Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 102	just found a pic online, i guess these machines are not common in maryland I have never seen an angled smith before lol.