Generally speaking are Smith Machines supposed to be lighter than FWs?

[danielson]

At my gym I can lift a lot more using the Smith machine. I remember at other gyms it was the opposite, maybe they were older machines and carried extra weight, not sure.

[Butterbean]

All the ones I've used have been lighter.

[garebear]

i can always lift more on the smith machine.

dunno why tho.

[FREAKgeek]

You don't have to stabilize the weight, peoples.

[LatsMcGee]

The bar is also a lot lighter on most smith machines than an olympic bar.

[danielson]

You don't have to stabilize the weight

I thought about that, but I think they is some spring or something in it or the bar is lighter as well.

[Drama Queen]

I thought about that, but I think they is some spring or something in it or the bar is lighter as well.

counterweight

[The Wizard of Truth]

In my gym the smith machines are lighter than free weights,they are new though

[dr.chimps]

counterweight

This.

[wes mantooth]

most modern smith machines are counter weighted (as drama states). this equates to the bar on its own being 15-20lbs depending on the manufacturer.

that would make your lifts go up 25-30 pounds from the get. add stability to the equation.....and you have a considerably "stronger" lift...

[CastIron]

At my gym I can lift a lot more using the Smith machine. I remember at other gyms it was the opposite, maybe they were older machines and carried extra weight, not sure.

Because it gives you more balance.

[drkaje]

Do they grow muscle like free weights?

[shrek]

This.

it has about 20lbs of counter weight to make the movement smoother so if you bench 300lbs really it is 280lbs

[fearANDloathing]

Smith machines are garbage. Some gyms won't even include them anymore unless members ask for it and rightfully so.
It's grating to see some jack ass with horrible form Smith Squat 4 plates per side when he can't even do 225 on a free bar correctly.

[The Showstoppa]

Smith machines are garbage. Some gyms won't even include them anymore unless members ask for it and rightfully so.
It's grating to see some jack ass with horrible form Smith Squat 4 plates per side when he can't even do 225 on a free bar correctly.

they are no more "garbage" than any other machine.  As part of a workout, they are fine.  Don't worry about the bruised ego from seeing somebody act like they can squat 405, because they do it on a SM.  Just worry about yourself. 

[Awesomo]

Smith machines are garbage. Some gyms won't even include them anymore unless members ask for it and rightfully so.
It's grating to see some jack ass with horrible form Smith Squat 4 plates per side when he can't even do 225 on a free bar correctly.

At the gym about a month ago i had to rescue a guy that got buried doing bench press on the smith machine. He couldn't move the bar the inch upward he needed to lock it in. I still made him work for it though just giving him a couple fingers of spotting, i mean i'm not here to lift the weight for him  

[MuscleMcMannus]

they are no more "garbage" than any other machine.  As part of a workout, they are fine.  Don't worry about the bruised ego from seeing somebody act like they can squat 405, because they do it on a SM.  Just worry about yourself. 

Well they are a pretty piss poor machine.  They are terrible for squatting.  I agree who cares if someone wants to use one so be it.  I used to use them for shoulder pressing and still do.  I just get an amazing pump that I don't get from anything else.  But they definitely are an awkward unnatural machine. 

[Awesomo]

Well they are a pretty piss poor machine.  They are terrible for squatting.  I agree who cares if someone wants to use one so be it.  I used to use them for shoulder pressing and still do.  I just get an amazing pump that I don't get from anything else.  But they definitely are an awkward unnatural machine. 

If i have a spotter I won't touch that machine for anything besides shrugs. If i am by myself though and I want to go heavy i happily use it.

[burn2live]

I hate smith machines 

[mazrim]

I lift less on our smith than with freeweights.

[dr.chimps]

I hate smith machines 

Hate!? That's a strong word to use in reference to an inanimate object. Maybe your best friend, named Smith, boffed your girlfriend?     

[The True Adonis]

I lift less on our smith than with freeweights.

Same.  Mine has a rather thick bar that makes it a bit more difficult than regular Bench Press with a Barbell.

[Awesomo]

I lift less on our smith than with freeweights.

Agreed. I do incline press more on free weights than smith. I think the restricted range of motion is the problem. I can't go through my normal lifting arc where I am the strongest.

[affeman]

Agreed. I do incline press more on free weights than smith. I think the restricted range of motion is the problem. I can't go through my normal lifting arc where I am the strongest.

Exactly, you can't get all the supporting muscles involved with a guided Range of motion. I lift way less on the smith machine at all lifts opposed to free weigths.

[Mr. Magoo]

The smith machine at my old gym is about 30 years old and it's heavy as hell. Most of the time if i'm there the only thing i will use it for is seated behind the neck presses (the gym lacks a military press) and i can only put about 2 tens on each side and that's pretty heavy. I doubt it's been oiled in about 10 years too.