Looking for a beginner-friendly way to safely lift more weight? A Smith machine might be the perfect choice. Smith machines restrict the movement of weights; the weights on a Smith machine can only move vertically. Additionally, the weights can be hooked into place with a twist of the wrist, allowing users to lift safely without a spotter.
At Fitness Experience, we offer a wide range of different Smith machines, including standard, all-in-one, and counterbalanced Smith machines.
A standard Smith machine consists of a barbell on steel rails; the barbell is restricted to only vertical movement. Standard Smith machines may feature plate-loaded or selectorized weights. Common features include safety stops to prevent the bar from dropping too low, weight storage, walk-through designs, and twist-lock mechanisms to secure the barbell in place.
All-in-one Smith systems combine all of the functionality of a Smith machine with other pieces of gym equipment. An all-in-one Smith system may feature:
All-in-one Smith systems are among the most versatile pieces of gym equipment around; they’re also relatively compact, making them a great choice for home gyms.
Counterbalanced Smith machines use counterweights to offset some of the weight that you are lifting. The counterbalance can be adjusted, allowing you to customize the level of resistance produced by the machine and weights. Counterbalanced Smith machines are an excellent choice for people who are recovering from injuries, as well as beginners.
Angled Smith machines restrict the movement of your weights, much like a regular Smith machine, but at a slight angle; this means you will not lift straight up and down. Some people prefer angled Smith machines because they find the restricted range of motion provided by standard Smith machines feels unnatural.
With plate-loaded Smith machines, you manually load and unload plates. Selectorized Smith machines, on the other hand, allow you to adjust weights by simply moving a pin along a weight stack. Both have their advantages; plate-loaded Smith machines tend to be more affordable and customizable, while selectorized models are easier to use.
There are three primary benefits to working with a Smith machine: Safety, stability, and versatility.
Smith machines often come with safety stops; you can place these stops to prevent your barbell from dropping too far. These can help prevent weights from dropping on you and also prevent you from letting the barbell get too low while you’re exercising. Additionally, most Smith machines have barbells that can be twisted to lock them in place. Both of these features make it safer to lift without a spotter when using a Smith machine.
Stability comes from the fixed bar path provided by the Smith machine. This fixed path limits your range of motion, which makes it easier to maintain proper form. You’ll also need to engage fewer stabilizer muscles; this is great for beginners and weightlifters who have injuries.
Smith machines are incredibly versatile, allowing for a wide range of exercises to help you meet your strength training and fitness goals. Smith machine exercises include:
The right Smith machine for your needs will depend on your fitness goals and the equipment you already have in your home gym. Here are a few recommendations:
At Fitness Experience, we carry Smith machines from some of the top manufacturers in the industry, including:
For over 30 years, Fitness Experience has provided Canadians with high-quality fitness equipment and expert advice. Many of our staff members come from athletic and training backgrounds—they are personal trainers, coaches, and competitors. No matter what your fitness goals are, one of our staff members has the expertise and know-how to help you pick the right Smith machine for your needs
We’re invested in supporting your long-term fitness goals; as a Canadian company, we want to help Canadians get healthier, both mentally and physically. Whether you’re looking to lift more, find an all-in-one machine for your home gym, or simply reduce your risk of injury with a Smith machine, you can count on the team at Fitness Experience.
At Fitness Experience, we deliver fitness equipment, including Smith machines, right to your door. Add any of the Smith machines you see on this page to your cart, and use the chat feature to talk to our experts. Find the perfect Smith machine for your needs, and keep browsing our site for all of your home gym equipment needs.
Want to try before you buy? With locations across Canada, Fitness Experience makes it easy to find exactly what you need. Visit one of our locations, try out our Smith machines, find the right match for your gym, then get us to deliver the machine to your door!
