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View Full Version : free weights vs smith machine.



Chris-Winfield
10-30-2010, 11:37 PM
I love free weights , and exercises that tax the stabilizer muscles.

I am planning on building a big enough shed to house my equipment , but am trying to go through my equipment list.

I will be working out by myself so there is nobody to get in my way and slow me down and I dont have to wait or rely on a partner... problem to this is , no spotter... the solution..

I was thinking about getting a 3d self spotting smith machine
BodyCraft Jones Smith Machine (http://www.fitnessgiant.com/bojosmma.html)

along with a yukon cable crossover machine
http://www.bigfitness.com/yucacrmawifr.html (http://www.bigfitness.com/yucacrmawifr.html)

Then a dip platform , adjustable bench , a rack and slowly buy dumbells if I need them , and accessories to go with the crossover as different attachment , handles , tricep ropes.. the machine has a 1200lb total capacity 600per side..

While the smith machine has a 1000lb capacity.

To the point, what are you guys opinions on working out ALMOST solely with a 3d smith machine .... Compared to free weights since I dont have a spotter please give me your opinions they would be greatly appreciated and taken into consideration.

I like to train sometimes close to max weight , but to failure or almost failure with reps , whether that be on a set or through exhaustion through mulitple sets... it depends on the mood... and not having a spotter would change the whole way I like to train.

But then again the whole way I train since I love free weights have also changed , to the point where stabilization is pretty much taken out.

-----------------------

On a side note the bar does have an active balance system which gives the bar a few degrees of tilt.

http://www.bodycraft.com/ I will be getting the jones club under free weight systems , but if you click the platinum and click features there is a demo of the balancing system which may help a little but not the same as free weights.

The Dude
10-30-2010, 11:54 PM
In your case I really don't see an option other than to use a Smith given you won't have anyone to spot you. Personally I almost never use one. I like Hammer, Strive, and free weights, but I'll always live near a Gold's.
I have to be in a gym. Its like crack to me.

dreww
10-31-2010, 01:49 AM
I have a rack/cage in my home gym. Looks just like the one above but without smith machine feature. But the free rack has bars that you can use in case of failure and keep the free weight workouts. Supports up to like 1000lbs. I can swing from it and it doest budge. And Ive done squats at 400lbs and rack pulls of 500lbs on it and it stable like the ones at the gym.
Just an option. I love my setup at home.

Chris-Winfield
10-31-2010, 11:20 AM
Thanks for the responses guys , and drew I was totally neglecting the thought of a normal cage with a rack thanks for pointing that out to me.

Now I just have some re-evaluating as to which option to go with a cage/rack , or a 3d smith which is the same thing but more moving parts , that has a chance with more to go wrong with yet a higher cost :(

But it does have a higher ease of use on some exercises , a couple of those being overhead tricep extension. making an easy setup with all the lock in place hooks. Its too bad I cannot just go to a gym or store that has display setups sitting around to test out all the equipment. But there are warranty's but those are still a hassle and a problem when they go wrong and get fixed , you never know if the problem is permanently fixed or temporarily before the warranty runs out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNWMhrXnlT0

Chris-Winfield
10-31-2010, 11:21 AM
Lucky dude.....

Chris-Winfield
10-31-2010, 12:13 PM
Im leaning towards a normal cage.

Johnny_Boy
12-02-2010, 05:20 PM
I'd get the power rack with a flat bench that you could slide up in there. The kind on chains or with the pins that pop out. I like the verticle ones, not the smith machines that are angled. The gym I go to has one and it is the angled kind. I like the old school big tall ones on chains and that have safety pins.

I can do a whole shoulder workout just about on that one piece of equipment. Military press to front and behind the neck, two handed lateral raises, and I forget but we did like 3 to 4 exercises just on this machine with a flat bench in the middle.

Johnny_Boy
12-02-2010, 05:23 PM
I have a rack/cage in my home gym. Looks just like the one above but without smith machine feature. But the free rack has bars that you can use in case of failure and keep the free weight workouts. Supports up to like 1000lbs. I can swing from it and it doest budge. And Ive done squats at 400lbs and rack pulls of 500lbs on it and it stable like the ones at the gym.
Just an option. I love my setup at home.

your blessed bro! Someday I will have my own gym, but soon I will be working in one, so not sure when I will get a home set up.

Ken Bowman
12-02-2010, 06:12 PM
dude i could not say it better

Johnny_Boy
12-08-2010, 01:57 AM
I love free weights , and exercises that tax the stabilizer muscles.

I am planning on building a big enough shed to house my equipment , but am trying to go through my equipment list.

I will be working out by myself so there is nobody to get in my way and slow me down and I dont have to wait or rely on a partner... problem to this is , no spotter... the solution..

I was thinking about getting a 3d self spotting smith machine
BodyCraft Jones Smith Machine (http://www.fitnessgiant.com/bojosmma.html)

along with a yukon cable crossover machine
http://www.bigfitness.com/yucacrmawifr.html (http://www.bigfitness.com/yucacrmawifr.html)

Then a dip platform , adjustable bench , a rack and slowly buy dumbells if I need them , and accessories to go with the crossover as different attachment , handles , tricep ropes.. the machine has a 1200lb total capacity 600per side..

While the smith machine has a 1000lb capacity.

To the point, what are you guys opinions on working out ALMOST solely with a 3d smith machine .... Compared to free weights since I dont have a spotter please give me your opinions they would be greatly appreciated and taken into consideration.

I like to train sometimes close to max weight , but to failure or almost failure with reps , whether that be on a set or through exhaustion through mulitple sets... it depends on the mood... and not having a spotter would change the whole way I like to train.

But then again the whole way I train since I love free weights have also changed , to the point where stabilization is pretty much taken out.

-----------------------

On a side note the bar does have an active balance system which gives the bar a few degrees of tilt.

BodyCraft (800) 990-5556 (http://www.bodycraft.com/) I will be getting the jones club under free weight systems , but if you click the platinum and click features there is a demo of the balancing system which may help a little but not the same as free weights.


if you can afford it I'd get a nice Hammer Strength and Life Fitness Machine set up. With some DD and BB. AWWWWWW I would dream to have my own gym.
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Johnny_Boy
12-15-2010, 06:14 PM
Thanks for the responses guys , and drew I was totally neglecting the thought of a normal cage with a rack thanks for pointing that out to me.

Now I just have some re-evaluating as to which option to go with a cage/rack , or a 3d smith which is the same thing but more moving parts , that has a chance with more to go wrong with yet a higher cost :(

But it does have a higher ease of use on some exercises , a couple of those being overhead tricep extension. making an easy setup with all the lock in place hooks. Its too bad I cannot just go to a gym or store that has display setups sitting around to test out all the equipment. But there are warranty's but those are still a hassle and a problem when they go wrong and get fixed , you never know if the problem is permanently fixed or temporarily before the warranty runs out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNWMhrXnlT0

I Like I like!!!!

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