smith machine barbell rows- more stress on upperlats, less stress on lower back?

[tbombz]

ive been doing smith barbell rows lately, seem to be easier on the lower back and legs, and focus more on the upper lats.

anybody ever do these

[MJK]

Do you have your feet on the floor or do you stand on a platform?

[benchmstr]

does it still count as me getting a handjob if i gave it to myself

bench

[tonymctones]

does it still count as me getting a handjob if i gave it to myself

bench

LMFAO I would have to say yes...

[dyslexic]

I've also been using the Smith for single arm rows. I just stand laterally next to the bar and brace myself with the other arm on the machine's uprights.

Much easier on the low back.

[benchmstr]

LMFAO I would have to say yes...

nice

bench

[WillGrant]

I've also been using the Smith for single arm rows. I just stand laterally next to the bar and brace myself with the other arm on the machine's uprights.

Much easier on the low back.

Good exercise this 

[Eyeball Chambers]

Wow, I didn't know you guys were gay... 

[JasonH]

I've also been using the Smith for single arm rows. I just stand laterally next to the bar and brace myself with the other arm on the machine's uprights.

Much easier on the low back.

WTF?

[tbombz]

JPM what do you think about this exercise? pros and cons compared to regular barbell rows?

[dyslexic]

WTF?

I was just bored, but it works. I call it Smith WTF bent BB rows...

[jpm101]

Actually the only difference between a one arm DB row and a one arm Smith row is the slight twisting of the hand/wrist (and path of motion) which a lot of guy's fail to incorporate into the movement. A Smith does not allow this. Though, to me, it doesn't make that much of difference really. A Smith one arm row may be just as effective as a DB. If it works for you, than all the better.

In either exercise the upper body a held stable, usually by the free arm. This offers less stress on the lower back and hams. Which in return allow more mental focus on the pulling muscles of the lats. When you have more mental focus on a muscle you will be doing more justice to it's development. A lot of one arm at a time exercises allow this.


The BB row (free standing) can effect the chain of muscle running done the back, from the traps to the calf's. BB rows are all around power builders, from extra narrow to extra wide grip.  Actually both versions are excellent lat/back builders. Good Luck.

[tbombz]

jpm differences between smith barbell row and regular barbell row?  do you think smith is better because it allows better concentration on the back, or is free weight better because it is harder to do as much weight? 

[jpm101]

A Smith puts the ROM too much in a fixed position. You have to, more or less, move the weight in a straight line. The body does not function like that. BB row's (or most any other exercise) follows more of a natural  strength curve. Usually divided into 3 phases (lots of sport clinics show that very well with graphs, video's, etc....can look it up on the web also). The squat and BP are good examples.

Only my view but using the Smith with anywhere near max weight & full reps may be a mistake for some. Could very well encourage injury.  Though if anyone is doing short range (1/4, 1/3 reps, which many of the really huge BB'ers do) than the Smith may serve a purpose in that way. Only you can be the judge of results through experience.

Quite a few trainee's have success on a Smith. Though mainly for moderate weighted BB'ing exercises. As far as concentration goes, either Smith of a BB can accomplish that. Though a BB may offer less chance of a major injury. Each can gorge the upper back with a full muscle pump beyond what thought was possible, if that is the goal. But again, a Smith is not designed for heavy strength training. If wanting another way for a good pump, than SS pullovers (straight or bent arm) before Smith or BB rows. More of a pure BB'ing style of working out.

 If wanting more focus on the lats/back than lay face down on a bench, using either a Smith bar or regular BB, and do rows that way. DB's work very well here also. If your gym (Tbombz's probably does) has a Nautilus pullover type of machine (3 phase...with short lat bar attached) than you have an excellent lat/back builder. You hit the mother load. Good Luck.