Whether your goal is to build muscle, stay in shape, or achieve exercise goals, dumbbells or Smith machines are exercise machines worth considering.
Many people still don't know the difference between a Smith machine and free weights. The question on their minds is: Smiths vs. free weights - which is better? Are Free Weights Easier to Use? How much does the Smith machine withdraw? Is the Smith machine more traumatic? Are Smith Machine Squats Easier?
In this article, we'll answer those questions and explain what the Smith machine and free weights are, and the pros and cons of each. We also discuss the key differences, give you advice and answer the most frequently asked questions.
So which is better: Smith machine or free weights?The difference between Smith machines and free weights is that Smith machines allow a limited range of motion but provide better balance, stability, support, and security. Free weights allow for a greater range of motion and provide greater muscle activation and stabilization.
What is a Smith machine?
A Smith machine is a type of exercise machine that mimics the movements of a barbell for strength training. It consists of a bar and a weight fixed between two steel rails. The device enables vertical movement along a bar track. It also supports different types of strength exercises like bench press, overhead press, deadlift, row and squat.
Beginners mostly use the Smith machine because of its support system and safety.
Advantage
1. Security
Smith machines are designed for safety. It has built-in safety features that prevent you from losing weight and reduce the need for a tracker. An example of a safety feature is a handrail on a vertical support. If you're having trouble lowering or lifting weights, you can lock the weights by twisting your wrists to hold the barbell in place.
Another example of a safety feature is an adjustable stop that allows the user to set a minimum distance for the weight to travel.
2. Specific target muscles
The design of the Smith machine allows for a limited range of motion. This means you can easily target specific muscle groups with it.
For example, if you just want to work your quadriceps, you can position your body like a leg press and lean back on the machine.
3. Provide stability and balance
Many Smith machines are self-balancing. In addition, guide rods on the machine ensure stability and balance. So you can easily focus on lifting the weights.
Also, because the rod path and guides only support vertical movement, you don't have to worry about sideways weight shifting or back and forth slipping.
4. Promotes good form and posture
Smith machines are usually fitted with steel rails that hold heavy objects in place. This allows the user to properly lift heavy objects without losing balance or stability. This helps maintain good posture and posture during exercise.
Lack
1. Stable vertical path
Because the Smith machine has a fixed path and allows only vertical movement, many experienced athletes find the movement unnatural and uncomfortable.
2. Limited range of motion
Smith machines have a limited range of motion, which means you can't do all possible workout variations compared to free weights. The Smith machine only has a fixed vertical orientation, making it useless for things like bicep curls, French presses, and other exercises that you can easily do with free weights.
3. People with poor self-identity ability are difficult to save and improve their development
However, Smith machines are equipped with a number of safety features that reduce the need for tracking or self-tracking. Machines are prone to malfunction at some point. For example, if a rod gets stuck, it is very difficult to get it out again.
In addition, the Smith machine's safety features allow people to develop poor self-awareness skills, which can be useful if they choose to free lift.
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What are free weights?
Free weights include dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, and various weights that can be moved freely in space. In other words, it's classic strength training without machine support.
Many experienced athletes prefer it due to its high level of difficulty. For example, with free weights, you need to master balance and stability to reduce the risk of injury. You'll also need to develop self-marking skills so you can save yourself when the going gets tough.
Advantage
1. More types
Let's take the bank as an example. You can do this on a Smith machine or with free weights. When using free weights, you can choose between barbells and dumbbells. The latter allows you to change the angle and increase the rotation to target more small muscle groups.
2. Higher muscle activation
Due to the self-stabilizing effect of free weights on the muscles, several scientific studies have shown that free weights have higher muscle activation than Smith machines.
A study comparing free weights and a Smith machine for muscle activation in the legs and core foundFree weights are more effectiveStrengthens muscles like plantar flexors, knee extensors, and squats.
Another study comparing muscle force production on the bench press and squat with Smith machines and with free weights showed that the subjects performed better1 RM bench press and squatWhen using free weights. There is also a free bench pressgreater muscle activationand upper body muscle development.
3. Accessibility and Portability
Free weights are small and very easy to store. Also, free weights are less expensive compared to Smith machines.
Lack
1. High risk of injury
That's according to a study of resistance-training-related injuriesHigher risk of injury with free weightsthan the Smith machine. This is because free weights have no safety features or support systems. Just you and sometimes your observers. Also, using improper technique can lead to free weight injuries. It's almost impossible to get the wrong technique wrong on a Smith machine.
2. It takes time to develop the right technology and format
With free weights, mastering an exercise or developing form takes time. This is because free weights require better balance, coordination, and stability.
Smith machine and dumbbells
Both Smith machines and free weights are pieces of exercise equipment that can help athletes build muscle, maintain fitness, and achieve their strength training goals. Here are the main differences between Smith machines and free weights:
Free weights are more practical, but it's harder to learn proper technique
Because you can do more exercises and your range of motion isn't restricted by the size of the mat, free weights are more convenient than Smith machines, which allow only vertical movement.
Additionally, Smith machines have built-in stabilizers to facilitate strength training. With free weights, you have to do all the work yourself.
Free weights have greater muscle activation
Through exercises like bench press,Free weights have greater muscle activationFrom the Smith machine due to the use of stabilizing muscles.
With Smith machines, your stabilizers don't aim as much as with free weights because the machines stabilize the weights for you.
The Smith machine is better suited for beginners
Because of the safety features and support systems in Smith machines, they are best suited for those just starting out in strength training.
With free weights, on the other hand, the user must exercise caution to avoid injury. Molding also takes a lot of time, which can be stressful for beginners.
FAQ
Are Smith machines as good as dumbbells?
Smith machines are just as good as free weights and offer additional benefits not only for beginners but also for experienced athletes as they allow for better muscle isolation.
Can you build muscle with a Smith machine?
A Smith machine is an effective muscle building machine. Even if you can't do all the exercises with free weights, you still have plenty of basic bicep exercises like the bench press, squat, or deadlift that are essential for muscle growth.
Smith machine squats vs barbell squats - which is better?
Smith machine squats and barbell squats are both good. With a Smith machine, however, you can practice in a much more individual way. With free weights, on the other hand, you can improve stability and support a greater range of motion.
Smith Machine Deadlifts vs. Freebells - Which is Better?
Both target the same major muscle groups such as legs, glutes, back and core. However, when deadlifting with the Smith machine, the range of motion is minimized, thereby sacrificing some leg development. Therefore, you will need more time to get the same results as with free weights.
finally
Before deciding between free weights and Smith machines, consider your goals. If you want to build more muscle, improve balance and coordination, and improve your overall efficiency, free weights are the way to go.
If you are a beginner or want to train specific muscles and reduce the risk of injury, a Smith machine is your best bet.
Many people use both free weights and Smith machines. Free weights have greater muscle activation, which can lead to injury if used incorrectly. Smith machines can make you stronger and rob you of the muscle stabilizing effects.
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Have you ever used a Smith machine? Do you find it useful? How is your experience? Are you hurt? What do you prefer between Smith machines and free weights? Why? Share your opinion in the comments.
Bibliography:
- Comparison of free weight squats and Smith machine squats // PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19855308/
- A Comparison of Muscle Force Production // PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15705030/
- A Comparison of Muscle Activation // ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/41112033
- Epidemiology of Resistance Training // PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20139328/
- Muscle activation comparison // PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20093960/
My name is Ihor and I have been a professional weightlifter since 1996. With over 20 years of racing experience, my CV includes 2009 European Champion and 2011 World Junior Championships silver medalist in the 105kg category.
I competed in the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
After hanging up my competitive weightlifting shoes, I decided to share my extensive coaching background with you. I currently train many athletes who compete in national and international competitions.
FAQs
Smith machine vs. free weights - which is best for you? ›
If you want to be more efficient in the gym and use the most muscles in less exercises, free weights are your best bet. If you do want to isolate certain muscles and have more time to spare
The main difference is that you can use a Smith machine as a self-spotting device since the weight moves on a fixed track. Whereas a Power Rack doesn't have a fixed track, so there are no movement restrictions.
Are machines safer than free weights? ›Machine exercises are typically safer
Because machines require less skill and motor control than free-weight exercises, they're typically safer than free weights and cause fewer accidents and injuries [10].
We found a 43% higher muscle activation during the free weight squat compared to the Smith machine squat. Activation of the knee extensors and flexors and ankle plantar flexors were higher during free weight squat, whereas activation of the trunk stabilizers was similar across the 2 exercises.
Is Smith machine as good as regular bench? ›Research has been conducted to figure out which one is the better bet. They found that muscle activation was the same in the pecs and anterior deltoids, but that the barbell bench press increased medial deltoid activation by 50% more than the Smith machine.
Why use machines over free weights? ›In general, weight machines are a great tool for beginners, as they teach proper form and reduce the risk of injury. Free weights, on the other hand, allow you to work more muscles and promote functional fitness.
Are Smith machines better for building muscle? ›The Smith machines is fantastic for helping new lifters (or those back in the gym after an injury) to gradually build new muscle tissue, and increase their strength level, in a simple and safe way, without undue injury risk.
Why do bodybuilders use machines more than free weights? ›Machines allow you to isolate individual muscles
Machines are designed to isolate muscles in a way that is often difficult to replicate with free weights.
- Free weights can be a little daunting for beginners. ...
- Some of the more effective exercises (squat, bench press, etc) often require you to have a spotter in order to make progress safely.
- Because of the complexity of the movements, free weight exercises are easy to mess up, which can sometimes result in injury.
Yes, machines can lead to significant muscle growth. Research shows that you can build just as much muscle using machines as you can training with free weights. However, it's important to note that free weights offer unique benefits, which is why we recommend training with both free weights and machines.
Why not squat with Smith machine? ›
Smith machine squats are only bad if you try to do them like you would a free weight squat. This is because it puts too much pressure on your joints, particularly your knees and spine. If you place your feet forward, you don't run this risk.
Should I do Smith machine or regular squat? ›While the barbell squat activates more muscle fibers and relies on surrounding muscles for support, the Smith machine squat is better for targeting specific muscles, particularly hamstrings and glutes. You don't need to include both in every leg day session, but each should have a place in your training program.
Is the weight on a Smith machine the same as free weights? ›In summary, generally speaking, most Smith machine bars are a little lighter than an Olympic barbell because they don't need the same tensile strength. For most, the bar itself will weigh 25-40lbs (if you were to remove the bar from the Smith machine, that's how much it would weigh).
How much weight does Smith machine take off? ›How Much Weight Does a Smith Machine Take Off. The typical starting weight of a barbell on a Smith Machine can be expected to weight about 15-30 lbs. This being said when you are deciding to use the Smith Machine over a free barbell you should take this into consideration when choosing your weight to lift.
Do bodybuilders use Smith machine? ›Bodybuilders often prefer Smith machines because they can isolate a muscle better and get a better contraction when balancing a bar is taken out of the picture.
What are 3 disadvantages of using free weights? ›- You must learn to balance the weight while exerting force. ...
- The isolation of specific muscles can be difficult. ...
- Free weights can be swung for momentum rather than lifted slowly and steadily, which works the muscles more effectively and safely.
Free weights help develop greater power, as compared to machines. Working out with free weights is a more efficient way to hit most fitness goals, including increasing strength and muscle size, changing body composition, and weight loss.
Which exercise is described as the king of the weight room? ›The squat is frequently referred to as the king of all exercises. And for a good reason. It works some of the biggest muscles in the body, such as the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and core. Strengthening these muscles allows for easy movement and prevents injuries.
Is Smith machine as effective as barbell? ›The barbell squat has been definitively demonstrated in a multitude of studies to activate muscle groups in a far more significant capacity than the smith machine squat, placing it as the clear winner in terms of muscle hypertrophy and strength development.
Can you build muscle with only free weights? ›Can I Build Muscle with Just Dumbbells? Dumbbells should be a part of any well balanced exercise program. By following an expertly written plan you can build muscle with just dumbbells if you follow specific protocol for focusing on different parts of the body and follow scientific principles like progressive overload.
Do bodybuilders use free weights or machines? ›
ANSWER. Building maximal muscle mass requires a program that emphasizes free weights, particularly multi-joint exercises like squats, bench presses, shoulder presses and rows. These exercises allow you to use more weight.
Does free weight have greater muscle activation when compared with machine? ›Although they do require some movement from secondary muscles to perform an exercise, machines are designed for muscle group isolation. Therefore, free weights activate more muscle groups, joints, and will engage your core, more so than machines.
Which of the following is an advantage of using free weights instead of weight machines? ›Burns more calories
Keeping core strength and balance in mind, the use of free weights makes your body work harder than if you were using stationary strength training machines. Free weight exercises recruit more muscle groups during one movement because the body must have stability and balance.
Research has shown that exercises, such as the free-weight squat, burn about 50% more calories than machine exercises, such as the leg press. The difference may be that a greater number of stabilizer muscles are used during multi-joint exercises done with free weights.
Why are resistance machines better than free weights? ›Resistance machines support your body, and you don't need to stabilise yourself as much. Free weight exercises require you to engage stabiliser muscles like your core to perform the exercise. Resistance machines offer more isolated exercises where you can better target a single muscle group.
What happens if you only workout with machines? ›The problems with machines are many – from less efficiency to higher risk of injury. Here are a few of the pitfalls of a machine-only workout. They work limited muscle groups: Machines isolate only one muscle group,which makes them ideal for targeting large muscles such as the chest or quadriceps.
What exercise machine works the most muscles? ›Rowing machine
“The amount of muscular activation (85 percent) in rowing is higher than other activities using machines like the treadmill or elliptical.” It's also a great option for people who may be sore or recovering from a tough workout the day before.
The vast majority of strength training injuries take place when using free weights. In summary, machines are just as effective as free weights for increasing muscle size. They're also safe and provide an efficient workout.
Should you avoid Smith machine? ›Moreover, like any weight training equipment or exercise, the smith machine when used improperly will lead to muscle imbalances, weaknesses and most significantly, injury.
Why can't you deadlift on a Smith machine? ›Limitations of the Smith Machine Deadlift
You are restricted: Because you are working on a fixed plane of motion, you can sometimes put your body at an increased risk of injury if you perform the deadlift on the Smith Machine at an angle.
Why is it harder to bench on a Smith machine? ›
The Smith Machine balances and stabilizes the weight so that the only action is pushing (or pulling) along a fixed track. This is also why lifting Dumbbells is more difficult than lifting Barbells with the same total weight - the balancing and stabilization factors are much more important.
What are the benefits of a Smith machine? ›- Stability. With free weights, you have to support all the weight alone and maintain your balance. ...
- Improves Form and Posture. ...
- Easy for Beginners. ...
- Smith machines are generally very safe. ...
- Target Your Main Muscle Groups. ...
- Smith machines are good for isolation. ...
- Smith machines allow you to lift more.
The Smith machine bar weight is typically between 15 to 25 lbs. But it can range from 6 to 45 lbs. There are no standardized Smith machine specifications, so the weight will depend on the model/brand, type of material used, and size of the bar.
Does Smith machine make weight heavier? ›The Smith machine also makes the weight lighter. For example, the standard barbell weighs 45 pounds, but the Smith machine reduces the weight by 10, 15 or 20 pounds; it's impossible to know the exact amount.
Is it OK to use Smith machine for hip thrusts? ›Ultimately, you can certainly do hip thrusts on a smith machine. Compared to barbell hip thrusts, it actually provides a few additional benefits in that it is a lot easier to set up and isolate the glutes…
What are the benefits of the Smith machine bench press? ›The incline smith machine bench press targets the upper chest muscles, as well as the triceps and shoulders. It can be a good option for those looking to add variety to their chest workout or who want to focus on building the upper portion of their chest.
Is bench pressing harder on a Smith machine or free weight? ›al. (2010) was conducted to compare the activation of muscles when bench pressing on Smith machine or a free weight bench press. The results found that there was significantly greater activation of the medial deltoid in the free weight bench press than in the Smith machine bench press.
How much are you really benching on a Smith machine? ›The average Smith Machine Bench Press weight for a male lifter is 214 lb (1RM). This makes you Intermediate on Strength Level and is a very impressive lift. What is a good Smith Machine Bench Press? Male beginners should aim to lift 102 lb (1RM) which is still impressive compared to the general population.
Is benching on a Smith machine different? ›This study showed that the Smith Machine bench press and regular barbell bench press resulted in similar pec activation. A big difference was noted in the reduced muscle activation of the lateral deltoids. Reduce Risk of Injury: A common myth is that Smith Machines will lead to injuries or muscle imbalances.
Why use a Smith machine instead of free weights? ›The main difference is that you can use a Smith machine as a self-spotting device since the weight moves on a fixed track. Whereas a Power Rack doesn't have a fixed track, so there are no movement restrictions.
Is Smith machine just as good as bench press? ›
Research has been conducted to figure out which one is the better bet. They found that muscle activation was the same in the pecs and anterior deltoids, but that the barbell bench press increased medial deltoid activation by 50% more than the Smith machine.
Is Smith machine a good alternative to bench press? ›Barbell bench presses make you a stronger person overall, but Smith machine bench presses isolate and target your chest, shoulders, and triceps to make these specific muscles stronger. If that's your end-goal, you'll want to go for Smith machine over barbell bench presses.
Is the Smith machine bar 45 pounds? ›Force USA Smith Machine Bar Weight:
They use a regular Olympic barbell that weighs 45lbs (20kg). It is not counterbalanced, so that is its true weight.
With free weights or dumbbells, you lift the weights off the floor, which takes a lot more strength to do. Smith machine deadlifts minimize the range of motion (knee flexion and extension), which takes away from some leg development.
Why do bodybuilders use Smith machine? ›Bodybuilders often prefer Smith machines because they can isolate a muscle better and get a better contraction when balancing a bar is taken out of the picture.
What are the benefits of Smith machine vs barbell? ›While the barbell squat activates more muscle fibers and relies on surrounding muscles for support, the Smith machine squat is better for targeting specific muscles, particularly hamstrings and glutes. You don't need to include both in every leg day session, but each should have a place in your training program.
How much weight does the Smith machine take off? ›How Much Weight Does a Smith Machine Take Off. The typical starting weight of a barbell on a Smith Machine can be expected to weight about 15-30 lbs. This being said when you are deciding to use the Smith Machine over a free barbell you should take this into consideration when choosing your weight to lift.
How much weight does the Smith machine take off at Planet Fitness? ›The Smith machine bars are designed to provide that level of strength. If the bare bar were removed from the Smith and weighed, it would be between 30 and 40 pounds (13.6 to 18.1 Kgs).
Is weight heavier on a Smith machine? ›The weight used on a Smith machine is true weight, but it feels easier because there are no stability demands when pushing the weight. This is similar to a leg press machine, which allows you to really isolate larger muscle groups and move weight along a controlled bar path.
Are Smith machines just as good as free weights? ›A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning compared the force produced by muscles when squatting and bench pressing free weights or in a Smith machine. The results showed that participants had a greater 1RM in squatting with a Smith machine.
Can you bench heavier on a Smith machine? ›
The Smith Machine bench press does more than just pump up your chest. It may help you lift heavier weight on the bench and in other areas.
Why can I lift less on the Smith machine? ›With a Smith Machine, you are limited by the straight line of the machine's movement. Your body is not at maximum strength, or not at its most economical positions during the entire movement. You are limited by the weakest position.
Did Arnold Schwarzenegger use Smith machine? ›Reasons to Use the Smith Machine
But now it's time to dive into all the reasons people still use it to this day (including the O.G. bodybuilder himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger), the reasons why it's still a weightlifting machine found in virtually every gym around the world.
Since the barbell is locked into a track on the Smith machine, it requires less stabilization and can make exercises slightly safer, making it a good option for beginner lifters. “The Smith machine can help runners new to the weight room perform lifts like the squat more easily and safely,” says Fitzgerald.
Which is better Smith machine or bench press? ›On the whole, this study backs up what experienced lifters have been saying for years: The traditional barbell bench press is better than the Smith machine bench press when it comes to muscle activation, especially for targeting smaller muscle groups that help stabilize your body when moving heavy weights.
Is free bench press better than Smith machine? ›Also, there was greater muscle activation at the 90% 1RM load than at the 70% 1RM load. The results of this study suggest that strength coaches should consider choosing the free weight bench press over the Smith machine bench press because of its potential for greater upper-body muscular development.