![the-smith-machine-good-or-bad[1].jpg](https://i.imgur.com/MnLRxg6.jpg "the-smith-machine-good-or-bad[1].jpg")
Is using Smith machines cheating?
>>36715667
No, it's retarded.
No, it doesn't even count.
It's not cheating, it's not participating at all.
>clips
>>36715667
Second only to CrossFit for retarded shit that will injur you
good for shoulders and upper chest, hits from different angle
Yes. You won't recruit your muscles (particularly those required for stabilisation) as effectively since they are being artificially supported by the Smith machine. You are much better off doing free barbell exercises.
Just had an idea that probably retarded. What if you had a barbell attached to a seatbelt type strap. It doesn't really interfere with movement too much but if the weight suddenly drops, it'll catch it. I'd never use it, but it seems like a much better alternative to the Smith machine.
>>36715813
thats what the safety bars are for in a squat rack mate
Wrecked my knees for a week once using a smith.
Not even once.
I like 'em for calf raises if there's something to stand on
other than that, I wish I could melt every single one
>>36717433
you already did it once though
you mean not even twice
Tried squatting on a smith machine once. Felt weird as fuck.
Good for supine rows that's about all
>>36715667
There's nothing but a planet fitness near me and they have no racks, only smith machines.
I'm still just starting out, how badly will this fuck me up if I don't find a place that has actual racks?
You don't work your stabilizer muscles when you're using a smith machine.
Free squatting, you make your stabilizer muscles. So you just just free squat bro so you aren't underdeveloped and weak.
>>36717630
* make your stabilizer muscles stronger
smith machines are only for shrugs
As far as aesthetics are concerned there's no difference between a smith machine squat and a real squat.
>>36717603
Doing exercise is better than doing no exercise
>>36717668
>>36717668
Yeah there is.
The camera adds 10 lbs and the Smith machine makes you look like a fucking faggot.
>>36717686
Not when there's a high risk of injury
