Equipment

The benefits of using a smith machine are vast. What makes this apparatus so attractive is that you can perform safe power lifts by yourself. Built-in spotters will lock the bars should you experience any difficulties in your workout.

You can be confident that you won’t suffer injuries. The types of Smith Machine Exercises vary, from Squats to Barbell Rows, Bench Press to Shoulder Press, and so many more. In our review of the 5 Best Smith Machines, we aim to help you choose a model that suits your personal needs.

The 5 Best Smith Machines:

Below we list and review the 5 best smith machines currently for sale online.

1. Deltech Fitness Linear Bearing Smith Machine

Dimensions	H81 xW86 x L63 inches (includes overhang of barbell)
Weight Capacity	700 lbs
Machine Weight	276 lbs

Deltech Fitness Linear Bearing Smith Machine Specs

A machine constructed with solid steel 12 and 14-inch tubular bars. Finished with a protective white powder coating, this is a tough frame and built to last. The addition of rubber feet adds to the stability. High-quality cables on the strengthened pulleys, ensure the Lat attachment is secure for years to come. Enjoy many types of Smith Machine exercises, from squats to barbell rows, along with a solid chin-up bar. The 4 linear ball bearings add to the precision of smooth gliding bars.

With bar catch rods set at 6-inch gaps, it means you are safe to do your workout alone. Extra storage pegs also mean you can save space as you accommodate your heavy plates out of harm’s reach. The provided standard bar is 86-inches wide and weighs in at 70lbs. You can also use Olympic plates on this Smith Machine.

Deltech is so confident in their basic Smith Machine frame that they give you a lifetime warranty on it. They also sell bench presses separately if you wish to add one.

2. Commercial Home Gym – G12 Smith Machine

Dimensions	W79 x D49 x H90 inches(includes overhang of barbell) (height adjustable)
Weight Capacity	770 lbs bar990 lbs rack2000 lbs cables
Machine Weight	800 lbs

Commercial Home Gym – G12 Smith Machine Specs

A free-standing monster of a Smith Machine. Giving you the possibility of over 300 various exercises. It has 9-in-1 multi-functionalities, such as dip and chin-up stations. Add to that, 2-way grip pull up bar, leg press, low row, power rack, J-hooks for dips and so much more.

The wider cage offers excellent stability. Twin pulley cables are used for the 2 x 80kg integrated stack weights. Whether you prefer stack weights or barbell plate weights, you can use both on this machine. Provided, is also a 50mm steel barbell, but plates are sold separately. Use the 2 safety spotter bars if you’re working out alone.

The Smith machine frame has 12 adjustable heights. The pulleys have 16 adjustable heights with 1:1 ratio. There is no bench but you can add an independent one. There are plenty of options for exercising. This Smith machine comes supplied with weight stacks and 6 storage pegs for Olympic plates and Olympic lock collars. Plus, barbell, leg press, lat pulldown bar with knee support, core trainer, spotting arms with rubber inserts, and much, much more. Plus, you’ll get a workout chart that includes 35 exercises.

3 Force USA G3 All-In-One Trainer and Smith Machine

Dimensions	W80 x D55 x H87 inches
Weight Capacity	772 lbs Machine 2000 lbs cables
Machine Weight	992 lbs

Force USA G3 All-In-One Trainer And Smith Machine Specs

Looking for strength training or bodybuilding? With over 75 exercises on offer, this compact Smith machine has a 5-in-1 system for a powerful workout. It has a plate weight machine as well as a pulley system which only uses Olympic type weights. As an all-in-one trainer, it also has a power rack and a chin-up station. This is a Smith machine that acts as a core and functional trainer. The pulley ratio is 2:1 at a load of 100lbs and a resistance of 50lbs.

There are so many extras making this Smith machine value for money. From cambered and straight bars to a multi-grip chin-up bar. Safety spotters and J-hooks. Plus, lots of storage holders for barbells, plate weights, and cables. With an ankle strap and nylon-stirrup handles, along with pull-down ropes for triceps. You can also buy optional attachments, such as a lat pull-down seat, leg press, and extra stability bars. The options are many for personalizing this solid Smith machine to your own needs.

Quad bearing rollers allow for smooth movement during use. The heavy-gauge, rolled steel tubing lends a high quality to a Smith machine built to last.

4. Yukon Fitness CPR 143 Caribou III Smith machine

Dimensions	W48 x D68 x H82 inches
Weight Capacity	800 lbs
Machine Weight	257 lbs.

Yukon Fitness CPR 143 Caribou III Smith Machine

This solid welded structure contains an advanced Smith carriage. It allows the bushings to glide smoothly on chrome rods, creating a piston action. With a flick of the wrist it is simple to use the locks on the safety spotter bars.

Whilst this model does have a chin-up bar, it comes as the rack only. Many optional accessory mounts can be added. The bar is for standard plates, but Olympic bar adapters are provided. All plates must be bought separately. Inbuilt, is a dip station mount, as well as dual bar holders.

If purchased for private use, this solid Smith machine carries a lifetime guarantee for many of the parts. This warranty is limited to commercial users.

5. Body-Solid Powerline Smith Machine System

Dimensions	W76 x D45 x H85 inches
Weight Capacity	400 lbs
Machine Weight	427 lbs

Body-Solid Powerline Smith Machine System

Patented nylon bushings ensure smooth sliding bars and pullies. This is a safe exercising system with 14 locking point spotters. With steel construction, it makes for a sturdy, long-lasting frame, finished with a diamond-plate footplate.

The 1-inch bar takes standard plates, not provided. Optional Olympic adapter sleeves are available, also not provided. 

There’s a lot in this package. Let’s start with a multi-position bench, 150lbs weight stack, and various stations for pec, preacher curl, lat row, and even leg developer.

Enjoy a variety of over 50 exercises, from bench, shoulder, military, incline or decline, and calf presses. Or, seated or standing calf raises, wide or close grip front lat pulls, shrugs, sit-ups, squats and so much more for a total body workout.

The non-commercial warranty, for the owner only, is 10-years for the frame and 12-months for parts.

Picking The Right Smith Machine

Safety is a most crucial element when lifting heavy loads. Make sure that you know the capacity weight rating, so as not to cause damage to the Smith, or injury to yourself. If the Smith machine you prefer, doesn’t come with a bench, then you are going to need one for certain exercises. Make sure the bars glide smoothly before you buy.

Quality bushings prevent juddering movements and the mechanism will work better if linear ball bearings are used. The cable design helps to isolate certain muscles, though your movement is limited. On a Smith, you will lift in an up and down motion, which is different from free lifting.

Smith machines come in all shapes sizes. All Smith’s have one thing in common, they make excellent space-saving workout apparatus. With so many exercising possibilities, the Smith machine is an all-in-one solution. There should be no need to buy any other large gym equipment if you have one of these in your home gym. 

Smith machine FAQs 

Is the Smith machine dangerous?

The Smith machine does not cause muscle weakness and imbalance if used in the correct way. It does have limited movement that isolates certain muscles. Other muscles you can exercise in other ways. It’s perfect for beginners, with the added support of locking point spotters to avoid injury.

What muscle does the Smith machine work?

This depends on which parts of the Smith machine you use. Using the whole machine allows you to complete an entire body workout. The choices are many, such as exercising shoulders, arms, chest, back, legs and core. Use the Smith machine to build up muscle or repair injured muscle. Or, use it to maintain bodybuilding and strength training.

How much weight should you use on a Smith machine?

The counterbalance of a Smith machine can reduce the weight of a standard barbell between 10-20 lbs. This is due to the mechanism of the cable system.

Although, this difference has little effect if heavier weights, such as 400 lbs, can be added. The bars can weigh anything between 15-45 lbs but it dependents on the model of the Smith machine.

How to use a Smith machine?

Always start with lower weights until you become used to the counterbalance mechanism. Don’t lock your arms or legs on a Smith machine as this is bad for joints. Also, avoid deep squats on the machine as this can also put strain on joints, due to the limited motion. Use the built in spotter for bench presses, keeping yourself safe.

If it doesn’t have a bench already, then using a low bench for certain exercises is advised. Work the deltoids with a shoulder press. For the arms you could do incline push ups. The lower you set the bar, the better the challenge. For a full body workout, lock the bar a couple of feet from the ground and perform decline push ups. The back squat will strengthen the glutes, quads, and your core.

Click here if you want to know more about how to use a Smith machine.

Conclusion

Some fitness fans do not recommend the use of a Smith machine. They question whether the assisted mechanisms hinders rather than improve muscle development. In contrast, many advise that, when used correctly, a Smith machine is as good as any other gym equipment for bodybuilding fitness.

The Smith machine v squat rack does indeed differ. For instance, the bar weighs around 20 lbs on the machine, but 45 lbs on free weights. The solution is to allow for the differences in your calculations of the load. By far, the Smith machine is much safer, with the addition of inbuilt spotters to avoid injury.

When comparing the Smith machine vs power rack, again, the Smith is much safer. Though the power rack will give you more freedom of movement, it only means that you’re working on different muscles. 

Don’t’ be influenced by those who argue that lifting with the help of a machine is cheating. There are many world-class lifters who use Smith machines, to workout. Follow the link to watch how Jay Cutler trains on one.

Smith machines, along with other gym equipment, have their place in any training regime. They’re perfect for beginners, reducing the risk of injury. And, they’re perfect for seasoned weight trainers too. As we have shown that Jay Cutler incorporates one into his varied workout. 

ALL gym equipment offers some form of help in training. That is the very nature of the Smith machine, It is designed for exactly that reason. The reason it has grown in popularity is that it can give you so many possibilities for training. It is ideal for any who wish to live a healthy lifestyle, keeping fit, and maintaining that fitness. It’s a machine that lives on

What Is The Best Smith machine?

All the Smith machines we’ve reviewed are worthy of a mention. There is though, one real monster that stands out from the crowd. This is the Force USA G3 All-in-One Trainer. It’s a Smith machine that can transform a room in your home, into a gym in an instant. You can even buy more add on extras to personalize this model.

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 is a high-tech, feature-filled work out machine that is great at helping with fitness and conditioning. It has advanced connectivity options such as an integrated Bluetooth connection, which allows users to synchronize their workout routine with MyFitness Pal, Apple Health, UA Record, and Google Fit.

• Combines the motions of a treadmill, a stepper, and an elliptical for an easy, low-impact workout with…
• Free Bowflex TreadClimber App sets, monitors and tracks personal fitness goals
• Integrated Bluetooth connectivity automatically shares your data with MyFitnessPal, Apple Health and…
• Burn up to two and half times the calories of a treadmill at the same speed*

We liked the overall construction quality of this device, and we were pleased with the mechanical motion of the climbing footpads. The device has been made from aluminum, plastic, and steel. The general feel of the device is that of high quality, well-constructed piece of equipment.

For those that are not familiar with a climber style device, be sure to read below for our full review.

Main Features of The Bowflex TreadClimber TC200

Design & Construction

We enjoyed the easy operation of the independent treadmill foot pads, that act as individual running surfaces. These treadmill platforms are attached to pneumatic lifts, that is activated by the user’s weight with each step they take.

This product has some pleasing aesthetics when looking at the different color tones that the aluminum and steel frame offset against one another. The independent treadmill sections also look good and unique when compared to a standard treadmill.

The overall build quality is evidenced by the overall weight of the product, which comes in at around 137 pounds when shipped. This makes the unit reassuringly stable.

There are adjustable grips on the underside of the unit that allows users to balance it better if the floor is not 100% level. The rubberized material also allows for a more stable grip.

High-Intensity Exercise

Treadmills are traditionally more commonplace than this model of a climber, but there are specific pros and cons to incline training. The control panel is intuitive and easy to use, with different workout goal settings, such as calories burned, distance walked, as well as set intervals for conditioning training.

There are 5 workout modes, as well as a heart rate monitor so that you can monitor your overall levels of fitness. This is accomplished via heart rate grips and a chest strap. Incline running is generally more intensive when training, however, the design of the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 adds even more levels of intensity, much like running on an unstable surface like beach sand. This gives users a far greater workout than a traditional incline unit.

There are two handles that house the heart rate sensors, and there is also space for a water bottle so that users can stay close to their preferred exercise beverage, and space for a phone or music player, as well as USB charging

There is also a 4 user memory feature, which means that the whole family can use the machine and save their profiles to suit their specific exercise profiles.

Workout Feedback

Most people that use the Bowflex TC200 TreadClimber feel that they get a far more intense workout than with traditional exercise equipment, and as such, highly recommend this product. This is mainly due to the independent tread areas that operate at different speeds and angles.

The connectivity options, combined with the supported app integration make this one of the best pieces of high tech gadgetry that is available in this form factor. Being able to directly import your calories burned and distance traveled onto your phone via Bluetooth is an option that we wish we would see more often on exercise equipment, as it takes a lot of manual administrative work out of exercise tracking.

This is a far different exercising experience compared to a treadmill, so it may take a few sessions for users to fully adjust to the nature of the motion that needs to be adapted to when exercising on this unit. But once you have the hang of it, it can give amazing results in a reduced time when compared to conventional exercise equipment.

Safety

The stop and start buttons are clearly defined with bright red and green colors, and the base is extremely stable, meaning that the unit should not slip or slide as it is being used. The frame is exceptionally solid, and that means that users can safely lean on it when exercising without fear of it collapsing under their weight, provided they do not exceed the 300-pound weight limit.

The pneumatic arms that hold the individual tracks up in the air work very well, and dampen any impact when the user walks or runs on them.

How to Assemble The Bowflex TreadClimber TC200

Who is the Bowflex TC200 TreadClimber For?

The Bowflex TC200 TreadClimber is designed for people that either already has a treadmill, elliptical exercise machine, or stationary bike, but feel the need to train in a more intensive and challenging way. This unit is a great way to elevate your stamina and uphill conditioning, due to the orientation of the tread areas.

This makes it very easy to maintain fitness levels when users are confined indoors, either through bad weather or poor light conditions outside.

This device is also in tune with tech-savvy fitness enthusiasts that measure their current fitness levels through apps on their phones, which gives a full history of calories burned while operating the machine.

Downsides

As with all stationary units that have motorized operation and solid frames, weight is a consideration that you will need to take into account when deciding on whether this device is the right fit for you or not. While there are certainly heavier devices on the market, users should bear in mind that the Bowflex TC200 TreadClimber is quite large, and will need to be moved out of the way if not used in a dedicated workout space.

For the pricing of this unit, we might have liked to see other features such as speakers and a cooling fan, but when one considers the advanced individual treadmill tracks that run individually for each foot, it is a minor complaint that won’t necessarily ring true to everyone.

Conclusion

The Bowflex TC200 TreadClimber is a good alternative to treadmills and exercise bikes, especially if you are after a high-intensity workout that will get you into the fitness zone far more quickly than conventional exercise equipment.

The quality of materials and design of this treadmill makes it one of the better exercise devices to come onto the fitness scene in quite some time, and it looks aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

This is quite a unique item, and while it might only be aimed at a slightly more specialized market, it certainly has some benefits and technologies that could be quite useful to some people. If this doesn’t look like the kind of unit that you are after, then consider taking a look at our top list of vertical climbers which can be found here.

We hope that you have found this article enlightening and that any of the questions that you might have had about the Bowflex TC200 TreadClimber have been answered!

Our Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Rating: 8 out of 10.

Changelog:

10/07/2020 – Information improved, layout improved, errors removed and table of contents added.

Are you interested in using the Vintage Blast pre workout supplement? If so, you’ll want to check out our review to get a better idea of what it has to offer. It’s made by Old School Labs which is a brand that’s known for taking a more classic approach to working out.

To discover whether this is the right pre workout for you, take a look below.

Vintage Blast Pre Workout Caffeine

For a pre-workout, Vintage Blast, at 250 mg caffeine, actually has a smaller amount of caffeine than we were expecting. There is some caffeine, but it’s a lot less than what most of the popular pre-workouts nowadays have. We liked how the Vintage Blast pre-workout works on a 2-stage basis. You receive the benefits of caffeine for the first half of the workout, as well as the second half.

The caffeine is effective at helping to prevent you from feeling fatigued too early on. We also liked how this pre-workout doesn’t include too many ingredients that could make you depend on it too much. Instead, it’s main ingredients are there to boost your focus, pump, and minimize lactic acid to help you work out to your potential.

How Easy Is Vintage Blast Pre Workout to Use?

One of the main aspects that people consider before purchasing a pre-workout is how easy it is to use. We were pleased to find that this pre-workout is simple to use. All you need to do is put half a scoop of the powder into 14-16oz. of water around 30 minutes before working out.

That’s the best way to begin taking the pre-workout. You can then make adjustments once you have a better idea of how your body reacts to the supplement.

Many people end up using 1-1 ⅕ scoops 30 minutes before working out. People who are more experienced with working out often take 2 scoops, however, this isn’t recommended for everyone.

Vintage Blast Pre Workout Flavor

Another one of the big factors that people consider when selecting a pre-workout is how it tastes. So, how does Vintage Blast hold up in this category?

Many users have mentioned how there is a slight sourness when drinking the pre workout. While some people find this provided them with an added quick, others aren’t too fond of it. The pre-workout is also only available in a blueberry lemonade flavor.

2-Stage Energy

We were impressed to discover that the Vintage Blast pre workout supplements include a 2-stage solution to working out. It works by providing you with the energy benefits of the supplement for the first half of your workout while leaving the rest to help you out for the second half of your workout.

Many people find that their pre workouts give them tons of energy for the first half, but they often crash towards the end.

With Vintage Blast, you’re able to have more consistent energy across longer workouts.

Vintage Blast Pre Workout vs Legion Pulse

There are tons of pre-workout supplements available nowadays. Vintage Blast is often compared to other pre-workouts that included different kinds of ingredients.

For example, Legion Pulse contains an amino acid, known as ornithine, that Vintage Blast is lacking. Some people find that ornithine, and other ingredients such as BCAA’s, give them the extra edge while working out.

Having said that, Vintage Blast’s 2-stage energy feature is something that’s difficult to compare with other pre-workouts as it’s so unique. It also provides your body with electrolytes while you workout, which is an effective way to keep yourself properly hydrated.

Vintage Blast Pre Workout Downsides

When it comes to pre-workouts, there are many people who love to feel the tingling sensation that’s offered by many pre-workouts. They find that it can help them get more energized while working out.

This is because of the ingredient called beta-alanine. However. Vintage Blast doesn’t include this ingredient. Therefore, if you were looking to feel the tingles to give you a boost while working out, this pre-workout may disappoint you.

Furthermore, the flavor is an aspect that some users don’t find to be pleasant. This is because it has quite a sour taste. Some people have mentioned how they like this taste, but it may not be for everyone.

Check out what this guy has to say about the Vintage Labs pre workout:

What a Quality Pre-Workout Can Do For You

Pre-workout supplements are able to power you through muscle quivering workouts to allow you to get the most out of second in the gym. There are 7 ways it does this:

Strength & Power Boosting

Rather than relying on a pre-workout supplement that is loaded with stimulants and that fails to deliver actual nutrients to benefit your muscle tissue, look for one that provides the following scientifically proven strength and muscles enhancers:

• Betaine
• Beta-alanine
• Creatine

Energy Boosters

This category includes compounds that boost your energy levels without stimulating the central nervous system. These ingredients increase your endurance without the major mode of action being the CNS. As a result, these ingredients will not result in the jitters or a post-workout energy crash. 

The best pre-workouts will include at least two of the following ingredients:

• Tyrosine
• Rhodiola rosea
• Schisandra chinensis
• B vitamins
• Taurine

Muscle Builders

Certain ingredients taken directly before your workout can help to increase muscle growth. Unlike creatine, whose muscle-building benefits come indirectly through strength gains, these compounds directly impact muscle hypertrophy during the workout. 

• Branch chain amino acids
• Glutamine
• Carnitine

Stimulants

A lot of guys want a pre-workout that is so stacked with stimulants that it will make their heads explode. You do not want to be that guy. Check that the supplement you select has some effective muscle boosting and strength ingredients before looking to the stimulant ingredient list. Then look for the following:

• Creatine
• Yerba Mate

Pump Providers

Pump providers enhance the pump effect of your workout by boosting the nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in the body. As well as flushing more blood (and therefore, oxygen, nutrients, and hormones) into the muscle by way of blood vessel vasodilation, it also stretches the muscle membranes to activate pathways in the muscle cells that lead to long term muscle growth. 

Brain Boosters

Brain boosting ingredients are designed to improve your mental focus to improve your performance on the gym floor. This can enhance your mind/muscle connection. Look for the following brain bosting ingredients:

• Choline
• DMAE
• Club Moss

Fat Burners

Including fat burning ingredients in your pre-workout will help you to build lean muscle mass. Here are the key fat burning ingredients to be on the lookout for in your pre-workout:

• Green tea extract
• Citrus aurantium

What To Avoid in a Pre-Workout

Now that we have considered what you should look for in a pre-workout, let us consider a couple of things to be wary of. Firstly, you should avoid products that hide the dosages of their ingredients being a proprietary blend. This is when they group a number of ingredients on the product label as a special blend.

It will give the total dosage of the blends usually. But it does not tell you the dosage of each individual ingredient. This is critical information. If the dosage is less than the recommended amount, the ingredient will not benefit you, so you deserve to know!

The other thing to avoid is a product that is packed with stimulants. If it has more than 400 grams of caffeine, you are likely to end up with the jitters and end up within a very large crash after about 45 minutes. 

Conclusion

That wraps up our review on the Vintage Blast pre workout. Hopefully, we’re provided you with all the information that you need to decide whether this is a pre workout supplement that’s worth trying.