Just a few reasons to stop using the Smith Machine:
- The Smith Machine offers less transfer to the real-world than free weight exercises.
- Depending on the movement, the shearing forces on the knees and lumbar spine are increased by the fixed line of motion.
- The lifter conforms to the machine, and not vice versa. Human motion is dependent on subtle adjustments to joint angle positioning; the body will always want to compensate in the most advantageous position possible. Fix the feet and fix the bar, and the only ways to get this compensation are inappropriate knee tracking and, more dangerously, loss of the neutral spine position.
If you are using the Smith Machine in your workout, I strongly suggest you change your workout plan.
Now…GET BACK TO LIFTING!
