Smith Machines are popular machines for bodybuilders and those who want to tone. Building muscle increase metabolism in our resting state. A body made up of more muscle than fat burns more fat at rest than that of a body made of a higher fat to muscle ratio. So once you build that muscle it works for you to keep you looking lean.

One challenge to lifting free weights to build muscle is the need for a spotter. A spotter is someone who stands by while you lift and spots you so you can push your body harder and attempt that one last lift. He may help you lift it with some slight pressure upwards or is just a safety net in case you cannot lift it. In our busy schedules, it is often hard to find a workout buddy who can be there every time.

The Yukon Smith Machine System 2 and most machines like it have two safety components, safety spotter arms and barbell hooks. The machine works the quadriceps (thigh muscles) as you place a barbell on your shoulders and squat or for bench pressing with works the pectoral muscles in the chest. With the Smith Machine the barbell slides along a vertical plane in a groove built specifically for it. There are pegs or holes along the vertical groove. The barbell hooks fit into these grooves. You can place the barbell into any hole along the way up or down by angling it back so the hooks fit in. So if you are pushing out one last rep and can’t make it, you just position the hook in and you are free.

Whether squatting or bench pressing, the Smith Machines aids in muscle development by allowing the user to feel safe. Squatting is especially dangerous without proper posture and form. And especially without a spotter. The proper form for a squat is to stand with feet flat on the floor and barbell on shoulders. Slowly bend knees as you lower your body down until your buttocks is parallel to your knees. It is important to keep your back straight and not angle forward as this puts unnecessary pressure on the lower back. Foot stance varies from wide, shoulder width stance to feet close together as each stance works a different part of the gluteals, quadriceps and hamstrings. A lower squat that positions the buttocks below the level of the knees works more the gluteal muscles. Some users position a block under their toes or heels to hit different muscles and areas of particular muscles.

The Smith Machine is also great for bench pressing where you lay on a bench and press a barbell upwards until your arms are almost straight and then lowering it to almost touching your chest. Again, arm positioning on the bar works different areas of the muscle. Varying grip from both hands in the middle of the bar and close together to a wide grip with hands past the shoulders on each side.

With the vertical groove and hooks, the Smith Machine anyone to have a great and safe workout. It allows for more muscle growth by providing a safe environment to push your body to the max.