Goodbye Mr. Smith!

[Growing Dad]

I bought a new rack and have been having a ton o fun being free of my Smith Machine!
To anyone who only uses a smith machine, you'll eventually be cheating yourself since the smith does not allow "natural movement"
My Squats & Benches are once again goin up & up since I'm not fighting against my Smith.
And within just two weeks of benching with my rack the "mystery pain" in my shoulders is almost gone!
I used to work out alone and for safety I had to use the Smith.
Luckily my wife has caught the bug and has been lifting with me for a few months now. Now we can spot each other.
Now my muscles are killing me after workouts more than my joints!
Just wanted to share!
Peace, GD

BTW..thanks to all those who had been telling me this all along!!!

 

[xcelbeyond]

Good to hear bro. Progress is like eating an elephant - one bite at a time!

xcel

 

[biggerthanyou]

good to hear that you shoulder is feeling better. training with pain SUCKS! but keep up the good bro.
good luck and be safe...

bigger...

 

[Growing Dad]

Definately,

I blame benching on the Smith for the pain in both my shoulders. Being locked in a singular plane of motion is only beneficial for a short time.
I love training and learning and I guess in a new sense "No pain No Gain!"
Peace, GD

 

[MikeS]

Im the opposite. The Smith enables me to train relatively pain and injury free in comparison to the barbell/dumbells. not that I dont use some dumbells just to stay used to free weights and work stablizers.

 

[wolverine]

Im the opposite. The Smith enables me to train relatively pain and injury free in comparison to the barbell/dumbells. not that I dont use some dumbells just to stay used to free weights and work stablizers.

Me too. I just bought one for my home gym and I love it. Let's me go as heavy as possible without fear of getting stuck under the bar.

 

[Growing Dad]

The grass is always greener!

I suppose the bottom line is to keep things mixed up. I didn't throw my smith out, but It's really nice to have a break and choice between it and my rack. Most importantly my strength increase in two short weeks shows it was time for a change!
It's really cool to hear everyone's opinions and experiences!
GD