How We Picked and Tested the Best Smith Machines
As Smith machines have become more popular among the home gym community, we’ve ramped up our efforts to test ones from a variety of brands. This has allowed us to develop a thorough evaluation process that examines a number of key factors that impact your workout experience.
With options ranging from standard Smith machines to all-in-one trainers with cable machines, here’s what we assess during testing using a 1-5 scoring system:
- Construction: What gauge steel are the uprights made from? Does the Smith bar have passive knurling or a knurl pattern that provides good grip? Does the design allow for a stable, secure weightlifting experience?
- Footprint: How much space does the Smith machine take up? While a large footprint isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, we understand that many home gym owners have limited space. A compact footprint gives you more room to store your adjustable dumbbells, weight bench, and whatever else you want to fit in your training space.
- Versatility: One of the reasons bodybuilders rely on Smith machines is their versatility, as they allow you to train different muscle groups without having to move from machine to machine. Meanwhile, ones that have built-in functional trainers or offer a power cage combo give you even more versatility and functionality to accomplish your fitness goals.
- Value: Is the price justified by the build quality, durability, and functionality? Just like a high price tag doesn’t guarantee high quality, a low price point doesn’t mean you can’t get great bang for your buck.
Benefits of a Smith Machine
What makes a Smith machine such a valuable training tool? If you’ve ever used one, you already know there’s added peace of mind knowing you have built-in support. Here’s an overview of the different benefits of utilizing this popular piece of equipment.
Post Comment