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10 Essential Smith Machine Exercises for Beginners

April 07, 2024 5 min read

10 Essential Smith Machine Exercises for Beginners

The Smith Machine is a popular piece of equipment found in many gyms and fitness centers. It consists of a barbell that slides up and down along vertical rails, allowing the user to perform a variety of exercises while reducing the risk of injury. The Smith Machine can be used for a wide range of strength training exercises, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced lifters alike.

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In this article, we will look at 10 essential Smith Machine exercises for beginners. Each exercise has been chosen for its ability to help you work on specific muscle groups, as well as its suitability for those newer to lifting weights. We’ll also cover how to perform each exercise correctly, so you can get the most out of your workouts.

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1. Squats

Squats are one of the best exercises for building strength and power in your lower body. When done correctly, they can help to build muscle size and definition in your legs and glutes. When using the Smith Machine, you can adjust the height of the bar to make the exercise easier or harder, depending on your fitness level.

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To perform the Smith Machine squat, start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and the bar resting comfortably across your upper back. Keeping your core engaged, bend your knees and lower your hips until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Pause for a moment, then push through your heels to return to the starting position.

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2. Bench Press

The bench press is a classic upper body exercise that works your chest, shoulders, and triceps. It is an excellent exercise for building strength and size in these muscle groups, and can be easily modified using the Smith Machine. To perform the Smith Machine bench press, begin by lying flat on the bench with the bar above your chest. Grip the bar with an overhand grip and slowly lower the weight towards your chest. Pause for a moment before pushing the bar back up to the starting position.

3. Overhead Press

The overhead press is an excellent exercise for strengthening your shoulders, as well as your triceps and upper back. It is also a great way to improve posture and increase your overall upper body strength. To perform the Smith Machine overhead press, begin by standing with the bar resting across your upper chest. Grip the bar with an overhand grip and press the weight straight up above your head. Pause for a moment at the top before slowly lowering the bar back down to the starting position.

4. Lunges

Lunges are a great exercise for targeting your glutes, hamstrings, and quads. They also help to improve balance and stability, making them an ideal choice for those looking to increase their functional strength. To perform the Smith Machine lunge, begin by standing with the bar resting across your upper back. Step one leg forward and lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Push through the heel of your front foot to return to the starting position, then repeat on the other side.

5. Upright Rows

Upright rows are an effective shoulder exercise that works your traps, deltoids, and biceps. When using the Smith Machine, you can adjust the height of the bar to make the exercise easier or harder, depending on your fitness level. To perform the Smith Machine upright row, begin by standing with the bar resting at waist height. Grip the bar with an overhand grip and pull the weight up towards your chin. Pause for a moment at the top before slowly lowering the bar back down to the starting position.

6. Bicep Curls

Bicep curls are one of the most popular exercises for building strength and size in your arms. When using the Smith Machine, you can adjust the height of the bar to make the exercise easier or harder, depending on your fitness level. To perform the Smith Machine bicep curl, begin by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and the bar resting just below your waist. Grip the bar with an underhand grip and curl the weight up towards your shoulders. Pause for a moment at the top before slowly lowering the bar back down to the starting position.

7. Bent Over Rows

Bent over rows are an excellent exercise for targeting your lats, as well as your rhomboids, biceps, and traps. When using the Smith Machine, you can adjust the height of the bar to make the exercise easier or harder, depending on your fitness level. To perform the Smith Machine bent over row, begin by standing with the bar resting at waist height. Bend at the waist and grip the bar with an overhand grip. Pull the weight up towards your chest, pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower the bar back down to the starting position.

8. Tricep Extensions

Tricep extensions are a great exercise for targeting your triceps. When using the Smith Machine, you can adjust the height of the bar to make the exercise easier or harder, depending on your fitness level. To perform the Smith Machine tricep extension, begin by standing with the bar resting across your upper back. Grip the bar with an overhand grip and extend your elbows to press the weight up towards the ceiling. Pause for a moment at the top before slowly lowering the bar back down to the starting position.

9. Shrugs

Shrugs are an effective exercise for targeting your trapezius muscles. When using the Smith Machine, you can adjust the height of the bar to make the exercise easier or harder, depending on your fitness level. To perform the Smith Machine shrug, begin by standing with the bar resting across your upper back. Grip the bar with an overhand grip and raise your shoulders towards your ears. Pause for a moment at the top before slowly lowering your shoulders back down to the starting position.

10. Deadlifts

Deadlifts are an excellent exercise for building strength and size in your entire posterior chain. When using the Smith Machine, you can adjust the height of the bar to make the exercise easier or harder, depending on your fitness level. To perform the Smith Machine deadlift, begin by standing with the bar resting at waist height. Grip the bar with an overhand grip and lift the weight up towards your hips. Pause for a moment at the top before slowly lowering the bar back down to the starting position.

The Smith Machine is a versatile piece of equipment that can help you to reach your fitness goals. With the right exercises, it can be an effective tool for building strength and size in your entire body. The 10 exercises outlined above are all suitable for beginners and provide a great foundation for any training program.

It’s important to remember that form is key when it comes to any type of strength training. Take the time to learn the correct technique and practice your form before increasing the weight. This will help to ensure that you are getting the most out of your workout and avoiding any unnecessary injuries.