Smith Machine, Power Racks, Home Gym Workout Equipment |
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The Smith Machine and the Power Rack can be said to span the gulf between the age old argument about which is better, free-weights or weight machines. Both of these machines are designed to aid an athlete in a weight lifting program. Understanding the difference and usage of these two venerable workhorses can only benefit the aspiring weightlifting athlete. In its simplest form, the smith machine is a metal frame that holds a bar to which one adds weights. The frame is constructed so that the bar is stoppable anywhere along the frame. There are also pins that will stop the bar when it reaches a certain point on the frame. This can then be used to do any type of exercise that uses a barbell to be lifted along a set path. As an example, if one wanted to do a bench press, a bench could be positioned under the bar, weights added and the normal procedure for a bench press followed.
The Power Rack is a much more simple design. It is a frame that also has a system of pins allowing for usage of weights so that the bar is restricted to movement inside the area of the rack, and no lower than where the pins are set. The bar must still be held by the athlete himself. Its simplicity makes it a much less costly device. Otherwise it is used in virtually the same manner as the Smith Machine.
Detractors claim that the range of motion can be limited and in some cases, due to the straight 90 degree angle of the frame, even dangerous. The other main argument of the machine type setup, is that it doesn't produce the same level of intensity of free weights.Much of this can be negated with a little creativity and simple caution. The machine is not as inflexible as detractors make it out to be. For instance, one complaint is that because the weight is not "free", the athlete doesn't get the benefit of the negative portion of the movement. One can easily load the bar in the upright position and work on lowering the bar, to accentuate the negative movement. Also newer machines make use of angled frames, to adjust for the natural movement arc, that the athlete follows.
The benefit to using the Smith Machine is that a person could then work alone and not have to worry about the dangers of using maximum weights without spotters. By setting the pins to a point just over the chest, the danger of failure can be avoided in a bench press type movement. The same type of setup would work when doing squats. An additional safety feature is the fact that both pieces of equipment can be used to allow for loading of a weight bar in a much safer position. That is, the bar can be set a height that doesn't put the loader at risk for injury.
More modern advancements on the Smith Machine allow for much greater flexibility and variety. The machines now commonly come with pulley attachments for use in cable type exercises and also dumbell attachments. Many of the drawbacks found in the early designs have been eradicated and so the Smith Machine is one piece of equipment that can add to anyone's exercise routine.
Another set of exercises that are made to order for the these two machines are the dead lift and half dead lift. The second, especially, can be difficult to perform, without a made to fit piece of equipment! It is easy to trash a bench when using it as the platform for heavy half dead lifts. With either of these two pieces of equipment, the bar can be placed at the proper height and loaded with the weights. The movement can then be performed without worry of getting caught in the middle of the movement and having to drop the bar.
Many of the newer generation Smith Machines have multi station capability. That is, the frame is set up so that more than one type of exercise can be performed without having to make time consuming adjustments. Also the use of self-oiling bushings, that part of the frame that holds the bar, but allows for movement along the guide rods makes for much smoother movement. All in all, this makes for the most natural of exercise movements. Today the market has many options for these two machines, allowing for a wide range of price choice. So, no matter what your budget is, there is a Smith Machine or Power Rack out there, waiting for you.
Buy a Smith machine, and equip your home gym properly. You'll be able to get in a great workout any time you like. If you can only have one major piece of equipment, get a Smith machine. With a Smith machine and some extra dumbbells, you're ready to get a full body workout. No more fighting the crowds at the gym for the Smith machine, get at it in the comfort of your own home, when you want!
Below are some great ab workout equipment pieces. Easy to use, each one has its own special advantage. Purchases are made on secure shopping sites with satisfaction guaranteed.
From Mega Fitness - the Exercise Equipment Superstore. At MegaFitness, you'll find a variety of remanufactured equipment as well. You may find commercial grade ab exercisers at prices of most home exercise equipment.
Fitness is a long term investment in your health. Purchase equipment for the long run, and you'll get years of good use from it.
Our recommendation is to get a Smith machine with the proper lifting angle built in:
| Recommended Smith Machines | ||
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Powerline Smith MachineThe fusion of freeweight power with the safety and control of a machine. Push your limits and make faster gains than you can imagine without the need for a spotter. The Powerline Smith Machine has been building better bodies for decades and can get you where you want to be... Bigger, Faster and Stronger. Heavy Duty Steel Construction With Heavy Gauge Reinforcement Plates & Hardware 14 Lockout Points Spaced 4 1/2" Apart For User Safety Heavy Duty Adjustable Safeties Heavy Gauge Diamond Plate Foot Plate Standard Weight Bar Included
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Priced from: $360.00 |
Below are some other great Smith machines available online. We've arranged them by price so you can go directly to the full shopping sites according to the price you're interested in investing in your equipment:
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Plate Holders for Counter Bal Smith Mach |
Priced from: $150.00 |
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Powerline Smith Machine |
Priced from: $360.00 |
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Mega Smith rack with bench |
Priced from: $800.00 |
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P 50 Smith Machine and PCB 300 Bench |
Priced from: $1,395.00 |
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Mega Smith System Loaded w Attachments |
Priced from: $1,396.00 |
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Counter Balanced Smith Machine |
Priced from: $1,800.00 |
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Smith Machine w Plate Holders |
Priced from: $1,900.00 |
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