Counterbalanced Smith Machine - Yay or Ghey?

[KnightTemplar]

I've used the Smith Machines in my gym for JM Presses, and even occasionally Benched on them(when I'm feeling too lazy or beat up to do the real thing). Now my gym has informed me they will be replacing the old Smiths with brand new Technogym Counterbalanced Smith Machines.

The old SM's we had are obviously easier to Bench or Squat on than with free weights. From what I've read, the counterbalanced version is easier still, with the machine doing some of the work for you. So is there any point to using a Counterbalanced Smith Machine, beyond ego-lifting heavier weights than you could in the real world?

 

[Stoic1]

I like new machines because they smell better and are smoother than some clapped out shit.

Counterbalance? Meh. I read that as "easier".

 

[gspieler]

They're not inherently bad, and can be programmed into a routine. But there's almost always a better option; even for assistance exercises.

 

[KnightTemplar]

I like new machines because they smell better and are smoother than some clapped out shit.

Counterbalance? Meh. I read that as "easier".

Yeah, that's what I thought as well.

 

[ChickenBrother]

I've tried them in the past but have concluded that counterbalanced or not, smith machines will definitely cause you to transition into a woman. If you're feeling run down or beat up (happens a lot when you're old AF like me) I just do deload sets with regular barbell with lighter weight even if I have to go hilariously light. I believe this is more productive than transitioning into a woman but I won't judge.

 

[Trabaho]

If barbells and bars were easy they would be called machines

 

[maximus__]

Just bench the machine instead. Best of both worlds.
Or use it for isometrics. I went the second option.

 

[maximus__]

Just bench the machine instead. Best of both worlds.
Or use it for isometrics. I went the second option.

 

[ricc505]

Just bench the machine instead. Best of both worlds.
Or use it for isometrics. I went the second option.

I need isometrics so I used machines. They are good for rehab

 

[zapataxiv]

you're thinking about this too negatively

you beat cancer then transitioned on the Smith machine
that's a heroes journey, you I'll most likely be main cast in he next start wars trilogy

 

[NoSmilez]

I don't use the smith but I have no issue with it if I really had to use it. I had a small training block where I used the smith because I didn't want to wait for a hack squat. I stopped using it because I almost tipped over the machine with 8 plates on it. The machine isn't bolted to the ground and if it's angled then pushing against too forcefully at an angle will cause it to tip over. I am pretty sure some giant human can squat the whole machine.

I would say it might be better at hypertrophy than barbell squats or even bench. It is similiar to how a low foot position hack squat calls you out on having weak quads if you are glute dominant for squats. Here is a video of someone doing it all fucked up vs someone who has the right depth and tempo. You are just messing up your knees if you do it like the first guy.


I wouldn't use a smith for benching if you want to really use a machine. You want a machine that converges at the top of the rep. You want your hands to get closer at the top. There is nothing wrong with the smith but I never liked it for barbell work alternative. I prefer regular barbell even though it's not optimal. I would do dumbbells before smith. It's probably a me thing since I see pros use the smith often. Those dudes are human cattle.

The counterbalance doesn't really matter. Just look at the side of the machine. It just means the bar is 25lbs instead of 45lbs. As long as you account for that then you are fine. Just add 20lbs extra.

 

[NoSmilez]

It's a tool to get help strong. Everyone uses it differently. Some are really good and others are terrible.





Just take a plate off. He has a counterbalance then band that acts like another counterbalance.

 

[Baby Hanma]

Sometimes I am skeptical about people criticizing a certain equipment, but not on the smith machine.

Even injured people can make use of free weights, so I'd say smith machine is useless.

 

[1rawdog]

I bin waiting incase this was answered but if a smith machine suits what you want out of a session why TF would it matter if it's counterbalanced or not unless it somehow changes the resistance profile?

 

[maximus__]

I bin waiting incase this was answered but if a smith machine suits what you want out of a session why TF would it matter if it's counterbalanced or not unless it somehow changes the resistance profile?

I think that was the issue. It makes a smith machine even easier, plus the whole smith machine thing.

In the end you have to use what you have access to, but at that point I would just use dumbells as a lighter option instead.

I would love to see a smith machine powerlifting comp just for fun.

 

[DEVILsSON]

It's a perfectly fine piece of equipment.

Would it be something I'd get for limited space or budget? No.

Does it have its uses? I am sure it does.

Most of the people who shit on smith machines or machines in general are just being snobs. You can find use for just about any piece of equipment.

 

[NoSmilez]

I think people from our generation are just sensitive about it being a barbell alternative. This gen of science lifters are skipping barbells completely because it's not optimal. It is a really weird min max generation of lifters. I watched a kid use a seat belt extender for fat people when he was doing leg extensions. One part of me is like oh this makes sense then another part of me is like fking nerd.

Today I thought I would use the smith machine for shits and giggles. The line for it was crazy and there are 5 smith machines. I just went to a power rack and parked there for 30 mins until some older guys came in. I respect the middle-aged beginner lifter that can barely lift a plate but they still rest for 5-10 minutes for their set. It's good old fashion honest work.

 

[1rawdog]

I think that was the issue. It makes a smith machine even easier, plus the whole smith machine thing.

In the end you have to use what you have access to, but at that point I would just use dumbells as a lighter option instead.

I would love to see a smith machine powerlifting comp just for fun.

Maybe I'm just missing something because I just so happen to never use one but I still don't get it. Straighten me out bro?
I should have been more clear in 2 things, my answer was in reference to a normal smith vs a counterbalanced one and I am aware that the counterbalance changes the amount of resistance but by profile I mean the curve, an example being how a db is "heaviest" during a standing curl when the forearm is parallel to the ground.
AFAIK the curve is not changed on a counterbalanced smith like it would be using a band or some kind of cam so again i say use it if a smith fits your needs, adjust weight as needed...

 

[Baby Hanma]

It's a perfectly fine piece of equipment.

Would it be something I'd get for limited space or budget? No.

Does it have its uses? I am sure it does.

Most of the people who shit on smith machines or machines in general are just being snobs. You can find use for just about any piece of equipment.

DevilsSon, you gotta keep in mind that not everybody is broke. Some people are ambitious, rich, and can afford to buy an actual power rack.

 

[DEVILsSON]

DevilsSon, you gotta keep in mind that not everybody is broke. Some people are ambitious, rich, and can afford to buy an actual power rack.

You are welcome to troll but you should show you understand what is said.

Yes a power rack would be the first choice in any home gym that has the space for it and the choice is between power rack and Smith Machine. If budget or space is no limit then you can get a Smith Machine as well if that's something that appeals to you.

Power racks are not very expensive so that's not a flex.