Editing Smith machine (section)

==Advantages and disadvantages==
Use of the Smith machine is frowned upon by many strength training devotees as it forces the user to adopt an unnatural straight-up-and-down "bar path". This unnatural movement can cause [[shear stress]] on the knees and/or back when squatting or shoulders (if [[bench press|pressing]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dovemed.com/current-medical-news/4-reasons-bypass-smith-machine/|title=4 Reasons to Bypass the Smith Machine|publisher=dovemed.com|date=July 23, 2015|accessdate=March 16, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bretcontreras.com/machines-vs-free-weights-more-research-is-needed/|title=Machines Vs. Free Weights: More Research Is Needed|author=Bret Contreras|publisher=bretcontreras.com|date=July 16, 2013|accessdate=March 16, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ironmanmagazine.com/the-brothers-grimm-3/|title=The Brothers Grimm|author=Stuart McRobert|publisher=[[Iron Man (magazine)|Iron Man]]|date=February 12, 2008|accessdate=March 16, 2019}}</ref>

The constrained movement of the bar also reduces the role that stabilizing muscles play versus an exercise using [[Weight training#Free weights|free weights]]. This may allow heavier weights to be lifted, at the expense of engaging less muscle mass overall. It is also hard to keep an accurate training log because manufacturers do not usually indicate bar weights.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tworepcave.com/6100/how-much-does-a-smith-machine-bar-weigh/|title=How Much Does a Smith Machine Bar Weigh?|author=David Kiesling|publisher=tworepcave.com|date=January 20, 2019|accessdate=March 16, 2019}}</ref>

As with other [[exercise machines]], the Smith machine is often preferred by casual or inexperienced strength trainees who do not know how to safely perform [[Weight training#Free weights|free weight]] exercises involving heavy weights.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cfb4cBIHhK0C&pg=PA15|title=Inspire Women to Fitness|year=2003|publisher=IDEA Health & Fitness Association|isbn=978-1-887781-29-9|page=15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.menshealth.co.uk/building-muscle/get-big/should-i-use-weight-machines|title=Should I use weight machines?|author=Tom Banham|publisher=[[Men's Health]]|date=August 19, 2014|accessdate=March 16, 2019}}</ref> Many [[gym]]s cater to casual trainees and thus may provide Smith machines instead of [[power rack]]s, which are a piece of equipment critical for safely performing squats and other barbell-based free weight exercises.

The Smith machine does have some advocates amongst experienced trainees, however.  The "bar path" issue is minimized for exercises involving a short range of travel such as [[calf raise]]s and [[shoulder shrug|shrugs]].  It is potentially good for performing exercise variations when progress has slowed using other exercise forms, although care must be taken to avoid joint stress issues.  The removal of stabilizing muscles as a factor can also allow one to increase the intensity applied to primary muscles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.t-nation.com/training/why-i-love-the-smith-machine|title=Why I Love the Smith Machine|author=John Meadows|publisher=t-nation.com|date=January 9, 2012|accessdate=March 16, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.t-nation.com/training/the-most-hated-machine-in-the-gym|title=The Most Hated Machine in the Gym|author=Paul Carter|publisher=t-nation.com|date=July 12, 2016|accessdate=March 16, 2019}}</ref>