Smith Machine

[Snow9308]

How much does the bar on a smith machine weigh?

[lyricalnut02]

prolly 20 kg but u shudnt be counting that, smith machines r ****e anyway.

[jennyd]

I think it's like 15 lbs, but if/whenever I use the Smith Machine, I just count the weight that I put on the bar, and then note that it's the Smith Machine.

[Joementum]

Do not count the bar on any smith machine exercise.

[BiggerGuns=LongerDrives]

Originally Posted by Joementum

Do not count the bar on any smith machine exercise.

Exactly, if anything it's maybe even negative LOL

[Snow9308]

How would i compare to it using free weights. When using free weights should i just count the weight on the bar and not the bar itself. I assumed the bar weighs about 15 pounds. I only use it for squatting, because most of the time i squat alone.

[jennyd]

I don't think the Smith is good for Squatting...well, not for all the time squatting. If you have to use it here and there, then so be it, but you don't and won't get the same benefits if you were squatting from a squat rack with free weights and a real bar.

When you're using Free Weights, you should really count everything...but I wouldn't do that for the Smith machine.

[BiggerGuns=LongerDrives]

Yes, listen to Jenny, DO NOT SQUAT on the smith

Your other question of how much a free weight bar weighs will depend on the bar.
But keep in mind that most gyms only have Olympic bars


Olympic bars weigh 45 lbs



Standard Bars weigh 25 lbs

[Joementum]

If you are squatting alone, you should be using a rack with safety bars.

Using a smith for squatting only promotes bad form & possible injury.

Unlike free weights, smith machines have counter weights and this is why it is not worth including any smith machine bar weights to smith machine exercises.

[TheHorseman]

Originally Posted by Joementum

If you are squatting alone, you should be using a rack with safety bars.

Using a smith for squatting only promotes bad form & possible injury.

Unlike free weights, smith machines have counter weights and this is why it is not worth including any smith machine bar weights to smith machine exercises.

Exactly. The thing that makes squats so useful is that so many muscles are activated as stabilizers - the Smith removes the need for that.

In my studio, I have a Jones machine - it goes up and down AND front to back. LOL and the bar weighs like a ton. Every once in a while, I'll do work on it to see where I am compared to my freeweight lifting, and surprisingly, I'm slightly stronger on free weights (or I'm terribly underestimating the weight of that bar).

[mitchcumstein]

Originally Posted by Snow9308

How much does the bar on a smith machine weigh?

not enough

[Snow9308]

Thanks guys for your advice. The only reason i was wondeirng this is because a while back i got giant mercy home gym where the barbell has hooks on it. Now i havent used it because ive been going to a gym instead. But lately ive been thinking about working out at home. Anywyas now I think i might just sell the thing and use the money for a gym membership.

[Meta]

yeah don't squat on a smith machine... I don't use the smith machine for anything anymore... except hanging my towel on sometimes

[iwannagetbigger]

Originally Posted by Meta

yeah don't squat on a smith machine... I don't use the smith machine for anything anymore... except hanging my towel on sometimes

lol i dont even use it for that!

[hi i'm lucky]

Originally Posted by Meta

yeah don't squat on a smith machine... I don't use the smith machine for anything anymore... except hanging my towel on sometimes

lols!!!

[skullmurdoc]

Originally Posted by BiggerGuns=LongerDrives

Yes, listen to Jenny, DO NOT SQUAT on the smith

Your other question of how much a free weight bar weighs will depend on the bar.
But keep in mind that most gyms only have Olympic bars


Olympic bars weigh 45 lbs



Standard Bars weigh 25 lbs

It's not that clear cut! My standard bar weight 20 when I checked!

[mitchcumstein]

One thing i use the Smith for is supine rows.

[BiggerGuns=LongerDrives]

Originally Posted by skullmurdoc

It's not that clear cut! My standard bar weight 20 when I checked!

99% of the time a standard 6 foot bar weighs 25 lbs.
Maybe the bar you had was a 5 ft bar?

[skullmurdoc]

Originally Posted by BiggerGuns=LongerDrives

99% of the time a standard 6 foot bar weighs 25 lbs.
Maybe the bar you had was a 5 ft bar?

Hmmm maybe! I don't know for sure! I will check tonight!

[vassille]

Smith Machines are good for some exercises but terrible for others like squats.
As for bench or overhead presses I think Smiths are great. It's a good change of pace and in the long run being Smith or free weight it's pretty damn close on how much weight you can do