Not The Smiths. The Smith Machine.

While The Smiths are regarded as one of the most important bands to emerge from the British independent music scene of the 1980s, the Smith Machine, invented by American Jack LaLanne in the 1950s but modified and improved upon by Rudy Smith, is often criticized by strength coaches for its unnatural movements, failure to fully tax the muscles, and its generally unappealing design. If it’s so dreaded, why has the Smith Machine became a common piece of equipment in gyms - so popular that even that even Arnold Schwarzenegger used to do ‘Smith Machine Squats’ on it?

Despite its reputation, it is a device in which novice gym-goers can weight train safely. This use echoes the intentions of its inventor; he had wanted a contraption that would allow him to train safely with a barbell when he didn’t have someone around to spot him.

So the large machine at one corner of the gym is actually great for calf raises, shrugs, rack pulls, bench presses, bent-over rows, inverted rows, or shoulder presses. It is a great introductory weight lifting machine for those who are beginning their fitness journey, and of course, for those who do not have a spot. In addition, if you’re a well trained person looking to add muscle size, using the Smith Machine for various movements can create the direct volume needed to see new growth.

“Stop Me If You’ve Heard This One Before.” The fixed plane of motion that the Smith Machine uses is beneficial in hammering a muscle into submission; the predictability of the bar’s path makes it an excellent tool for breaking down and totally fatiguing muscles from one angle, thus tapping into the same set of motor units on every rep without fail.

In addition, the Smith Machine moves the muscles through a full range of motion and allows for progressive overload, which is going to produce results, like building muscle and increasing strength.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Schwarzenegger’s ‘Smith Machine Squats’ are one of the most controversial Smith Machine leg exercises. The truth is, squats of any type, whether with free weights or on a Smith Machine, can be dangerous if they're performed incorrectly. But done right, a Smith Machine squat can add serious muscle to your quads and glutes. And in some cases, you'll achieve faster results than with the barbell version, especially if muscle growth is your primary goal. We squat to get into the car, sit down in chairs, or even get onto the toilet - so keeping these muscles strong is integral to living better long-term.

If you have always wanted to try the Smith Machine but were are unsure how to use it properly, our personal trainers are here to help! Just ask! Not only do we want you to achieve fitness success, we want you to achieve it safely! Book a complimentary assessment by clicking the button below.

According to the Smiths, “Work Is A Four-Letter Word.” But working out on the Smith Machine is a great way to lift!