QUESTION
My gym has a smith machine and weights besides lot of machines. I am wondering if one can do the 5x5 program effectively with just the smith machine. I get the bench press and incline for your chest, but what about squats and deadlifts and rows?
ANSWER
I'm of the mindset that a Smith machine is better than nothing, but understand what a Smith machine does, and what it takes away from the exercise:
- balances the weight for you
- forces the weight along a predefined path. Straight up and down is better than slanted at an angle, but it is not a natural path. (I've seen Smith machines with both trajectories)
One of the benefits of doing squats, deadlifts, overhead presses, etc. without a machine is the opportunity to work your stabilizer and supporting muscles more effectively. You lose a lot of that with the Smith machine.
The question I have for you is, are there no barbells at all? If not, is there another alternative gym available to you?
If there are barbells, but need help for ideas of how to do the lifts you need while standing you can either "Clean" the weight for a front squat and overhead press, or you can perform the Steinborn lift for back squats.
If there are no barbells, then when you are gym shopping make sure they have:
- barbells (free and not built into a machine)
- power rack and/or squat rack
- a flat bench (for bench press)
- enough weights to load on the bar
With that you can do any 5x5 program from beginner to advanced.
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