The Smith Machine?
Lets start with the advantages. It is by far safer than traditional free weights. You have the guidance of a linear path to follow throughout the movement, and the need for a spotter is reduced because you can turn your wrists and lock the bar into place in the frame of the machine. Along with bodyweight exercise this is really good. Another advantage is that you can usually lift more weight because you don’t have to stabilize the weight your trying to lift.
Let us look at some of the cons. As stated above you are not using your stabilizing muscles so you are not getting all you could be getting from your chosen exercise. There is no need to balance the bar which will lead to the underdevelopment of important core muscle groups. This in turn may make you more likely to be injured during recreational or work related physical activities.
It is the teacher of poor form. There really aren’t too many free weight exercises out there that use a straight up and down movement. Most have a slight arc or a slight bend in them somewhere. Your body is not allowed to make any natural adjustments to the movement of the lift which can cause muscle strains and tears.
Some other things to consider when using this piece of equipment is that you won’t get as strong and big as fast as you would by using free weights. It really all leads back to the use of your stabilizing muscles and utilizing them during your exercises that will make a huge difference in your performance and results.
Keep your mind open when you are looking to get the exercise routines that are effective.
