The machine that does it all... the Smith Machine!

Today, we're diving into the Smith Machine and all the magic it creates!

You're going to wish your last name was Smith after this blog!

So, why all the hype about this machine? Isn't it just a squat rack? Oooh, girl, did she just say that? lol. In all seriousness, it truly is so much more. Yes, you can squat with it, but you can also lunge, row, deadlift, press, and more. Let's talk about it.

The fixed barbell allows only vertical movement, giving stability and control. It also helps to be able to place at the proper height so you can get into your starting stance correctly.

To help prevent uncomfortable positioning or even injury, you have to be able to work around what the barbell can do, not the other way around. 

But like I said, it can do a lot.

For the lower body: Squats, lunges, Bulgarian split squats, Deadlifts, Hip Thrusts, calf raises, hack squats.

For the upper body: chest Press, triceps press (or Kaz press), Shoulder shrugs, seated Shoulder press, bent over row, upright row.

For links to Youtube tutorials on these moves, please go to our app Sside.ca/FitStopApp and check out the Exercise Reference Guide.

The Smith Machine helps you with balance as well. Maybe you struggle with certain moves when you have to rely solely on your own control. By removing the need for balance, you can isolate and engage specific target muscles. The Smith Machine can get you going and feeling more confident. It's also great for coming to after an injury, or if you have bad joints, or would like to improve flexibility, because of it's predictable and supportive structure. It's there as well when you want to start loading up more weight, but need to make sure you can handle it. Give it a go!

I just heard that there really is only two points of view of the Smith Machine. Either you love it and use it all the time, or you feel there's no need for it. Hey, either way is ok, as long as you're getting your workouts in! There are many moves on the machine that you can do with free weights or other machines, and that's cool. But this blog was just about checking out some of the other exercises, besides squats, it can do. Maybe someone reading this is brand new to the gym. They just learned a lot about 1 machine. You honestly could do a full body workout in one place!

You will notice over the next week, QR codes stuck to some of the strength training equipment. Those codes bring you to our app and allow you to open the exercise guide giving you fresh, new exercises you can do on certain machines, or with certain equipment. I will be adding to the guide in the next little while with exercises for BOSU, Resistance bands, Kettlebells. In the meantime, please enjoy and get a good workout in. You won't be bored, that's for sure!

PSA's

Wetter weather is coming, and that means, time to wear your indoor sneakers to the gym. Change in the hall. Please and thank you.

Our birthday draw will take place on Sept 29th, as Sept 30th is a holiday.

Unfortunately, due to low participation, we had to postpone our newest challenge. Please stay tuned for another one in the near future.

Got any good, healthy, recipes you'd like to share with Fitstop?? Well, I'd love to receive them. tracy.jones@summerside.ca

Thanks all for your continued support and loyalty to FitStop!

Tracy