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The Smith machine is an item of equipment used in weight training. It consists of a barbell that is constrained to move only vertically upwards and downwards on steel runners. It often includes a weight rack in the base to help stabilise it. Behind each runner is a series of slots on which the barbell can be hooked. Unlike an ordinary barbell, the Smith machine need not be re-racked after a set of repetitions: it can be secured at any point. This makes it safe to use without a spotter. Because it cannot fall forwards, backwards or sideways, a Smith machine is considered safer to use than an ordinary barbell. However, the Smith machine constrains the body to a single plane of motion, which produces unusual strain on the body. For this reason a normal barbell with a power cage may be preferred. The Smith machine can be used for any barbell exercise in which the barbell moves vertically up and down, such as the squat or the bench press. It is not suitable for exercises in which the barbell moves in an arc, such as the bicep curl, nor for weightlifting lifts such as the clean and jerk. Data originally published on Wikipedia |