Is the Smith machine any good for squats and standing military press?

[BunnyKnight]

As the title says, is it any good for squats, or should I just use a power rack? Or is it the same either way?

Here's a picture of a smith machine, I guess most of you ar familiar with it, but just so you know what I mean - http://www.net2fitness.com/1gyms/bod...-SMITH-med.jpg

I'm doing the bill starr 5x5 atm and I am wondering if this is any good squats and the standing military press? Or should I just stick to the good old "free lifting" method without any machines? I did read that weight lifting with machines is inferior to weight lifting without them, but I am just curious.

Thanks.

[Klotz]

Resounding no!

[BunnyKnight]

Very well then, thanks for the fast reply

[IronMaidenfan#1]

No. This is the only answer you'll get on this forum. Read the FAQ, it'll explain why.

[No Quarter]

You should end thread now before the flaming begins.

[Ian Coe]

for

[Barut]

Smith machines are shit. You should not be OH pressing in a vertical line.

[Evilsteez]

The only good thing Smith Machines are good for are bench throws. Doing those with free weights is well, retarded.

[Urban]

Yes. load up the bar, pin the bar in place, and squat the whole machine. beyond that, you'd be better off wrapping a chain around it and dragging it across your driveway.

[TheDavid]

If you want to save your knees, back, shoulders, ribs, wrists, elbows, ankles, metacarpals and assorted phalanges, then you should use the Shirley machine. But why use some rusty old creaky thing when you know the gym has some beautiful $20,000 Euro machines for each muscle. If you work in isolation you target every muscle and get a full and proper pump.