Smith Machines

A Smith Machine is an indispensable piece of equipment for strength training. With this device you can train different muscle groups on one device. In addition, it offers you extra stability and safety during your strength training with heavy weights. Whether you are a novice strength trainer or an experienced one, a Smith Machine helps you achieve your fitness goals.

What is a Smith Machine?

A Smith Machine is a special fitness equipment for strength training. The equipment consists of a frame and a barbell. The unique thing about the Smith Machines is that you can lock the barbell at any time. This barbell runs between rails, so you can only move vertically. Normally, for example, a spotter is needed when doing squats if that last repetition is just too heavy, but a Smith Machine ensures that the spotter is no longer necessary and you can therefore train more safely.

Why choose strength training with a Smith Machine?

Strength training ensures that you can do your daily routines, whether it is physical labor or office work, better and easier. Strength training strengthens your muscles, which reduces the risk of injuries or other physical complaints. With strong shoulder and back muscles, but also with a strong core, you ensure that you experience less problems with your shoulders, neck and (lower) back.

Some advantages of Smith machines are:

1. Safer training due to barbell guide
   The Smith Machines have barbell guidance, which means that the barbell runs between rails. This means that having a spotter is no longer necessary. If at some point the repetitions become too heavy, you can quickly and easily tighten the barbell. If you train with only a barbell (i.e. not with a Smith machine), you almost always need a spotter in case you can no longer lift the weight.
   
   In addition, your position is also better than with a separate barbell. This way you always stand upright and in a good position. If you train with a loose barbell, you may wobble or lose your balance.
   
   
2. Suitable for beginners, advanced users and rehabilitation
   The nice thing about a Smith Machine is that they are suitable for almost any strength trainer. If you are just starting with strength training, a Smith Machine will help you master the movement.
   
   Depending on the Smith Machine, it is also very suitable for the experienced strength trainer. Various Smith machines can handle weights of up to several hundred kilos. More than enough to challenge yourself for a long time.
   
   Do you perhaps need to undergo rehabilitation? A Smith Machine can also offer a solution in that case. Depending on the equipment, you can also set the weight to a lower number of kilos and with the Smith Machine you will not easily perform unexpected or incorrect exercises.
   
   
3. Perfect for performing various strength exercises
   Although Smith Machines are often used for squat exercises, you can do many more strength exercises with these machines. such as the bench press, shoulder press, deadlifts but also rows.

In addition, strength training offers other benefits such as:

• It has a positive influence on your health
• It is a very good way to build and strengthen your muscles
• It boosts your self-confidence
• The risk of injuries and incorrect training is limited by better support
• By building up slowly and using the correct execution of strength exercises, you can reduce and prevent back and neck complaints.

What should you pay attention to when buying a Smith Machine?

With the wide range of different Smith Machines, it is important to first carefully identify your wishes and needs. If you are just starting strength training, you can also first opt ​​for a lighter device or an expandable device such as the Body-Solid 7 Series. If you have already made further progress with your strength training, you will of course go for a device that allows you to get the most out of your training.

When choosing your new Smith Machine, you can pay attention to the following points:

1. Loose weight plates or weight stacks
   Most Smith machines use loose weight plates. The advantage of separate weight plates is that you can easily hang the desired weight on the bar. You often have to buy the weight plates separately.
   
   One single piece of equipment, the Finnlo SCS, uses weight stacks. This is slightly more user-friendly than the separate weight plates. With the Finnlo SCS, the weight stacks are integrated into the device. You can easily adjust the weight with a pin that you insert into the desired weight plate. It is important that the weight stacks apply to the cable pulleys and not to the smith bar.
   
   
2. Is there a weight bench available?
   To expand the number of exercises, a weight bench is included with various Smith Machines. For example, you can also do bench presses.
   
   
3. The height of the device
   It is important to first determine where you want to place your new Smith machine. Some Smith Machines can be quite high. Sometimes they also contain a pull-up bar. It is therefore a good idea to carefully consider the height in advance so that you can be sure that the device will fit in your desired location and that you also have enough space to do your exercises.
   
   
4. Load capacity of the barbell
   As a rule, more expensive Smith Machines also have a better barbell. Not every barbell is the same. For example, if the Smith Machine of your choice can hold up to 250 kilos, it is wise not to hang a heavier weight on the barbell. This can cause it to bend or snap. It is better to go for a Smith Machine that can handle a higher weight so that you can use it for a long time. The weight that the bar can handle is always displayed on the device.
   
   
5. Being able to hang up the weight plates or not
   Are you going for a Smith Machine with separate weight plates? Then it is also important to see whether you can hang the loose weight plates somewhere. This way they never get in the way and you always have them nearby when you want to change the training weight.
   
   
6. Pull-up bars
   Would you also like to have the option of a pull-up bar? That is also possible. Several Smith Machines are equipped with a pull-up bar so you can do even more exercises.
   
   
7. Expandability of the Smith Machine
   One of the unique Smith Machines is the Body-Solid Series 7. This device offers you various options for expansion, giving you extra strength exercises. You can think of a Pec Dec extension, Lat attachment and a weight bench.

Some top brands among the Smith Machines are: Body-Solid, Tuff Stuff and Tunturi.

Who is a Smith Machine suitable for?

Smith Machines are often seen in (semi)professional environments such as physio practices, gyms, hotels, but they are also increasingly used for home use.

The nice thing about a Smith Machine is that these machines are suitable for anyone who wants to work on their strength. Smith Machines come in different versions, so whether you are just starting with strength training, are already advanced or perhaps need to rehabilitate. There is a suitable device for everyone.

Need help with your choice?

Would you like to go for a Smith Machine but not sure which one suits you best? We will be happy to help you with specific advice and all your questions. You can reach our Smith Machine specialists by telephone at +31(0)413-256800, send an email. Or visit our showroom in Volkel, the Netherlands.