Smith Machine Question

[imported_delphi23]

I don't have a training partner and I hate to bother people for a spot. Are there any negatives to using a Smith Machine for exercises such as squat, bent over row and deadlift? I realize that you are not using stabilizer muscles (if that is accurate) and that may affect things. But is the fall-off significant?

 

[precious_roy]

In theory, if you have a power rack you shouldnt need a spotter (unless you need a lift off but I dont think that the Smith Machine will help with that). However, I agree with it in terms of squatting; when I squat to parallel with a large weight, I am afraid of losing my balence and hurting myself. I use the Smith Machine just for squats, and I have seen fabulous gains in the size of my upper leg. You may lose the hip flexor and glute gains from the stabilization of the machine, but I am not sure.