Smith machine
Barbell fixed on rails, with hooks that rack at any height
The bar runs in a guided track and locks with a twist of the wrist at any point in the lift. Balance is taken care of, so a set can be pushed close to failure without a spotter standing there. Lifters argue about how much the fixed path costs them; most use it for squats, presses and rows where they want the path held steady.
Who backs it
Sorted by strength of stance
- Chris BumsteadDoes it
Bodybuilder · Six-time Classic Physique Mr. Olympia
The Cybex Smith sits at the center of his leg setup. He picked a vertical one because the bar tracks straight up and down instead of at an awkward angle. His one complaint on the tour was that the bar stops short of the floor, so he stands on a raised surface to get the range he wants on Romanian deadlifts.
Source: Fitness Volt: Chris Bumstead Gives A Tour of His Private Gym - Sam SulekDoes it
Bodybuilder and YouTuber · Spring Bulk gym vlogs
The Smith machine in his private gym is mostly kept for squats, he said on the tour, though he added that he might use it for curls now and then.
Source: Fitness Volt: IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Sam Sulek Gives Tour of His New Private Gym
Aimed at the same thing
Other entries filed under fitness.
- Gear$$$Expensive: Several hundred dollars and up.
Home gym
A private training space at home, from a garage rack to a fully equipped room
Backed by 7 of 62 stacks: 5 do it, 2 recommend it, 0 have discussed it - Gear$$$Cheap: Roughly under $50, or under $15/month.
Kettlebell
One implement covering swings, carries and presses in a small space
Backed by 6 of 62 stacks: 3 do it, 2 recommend it, 1 have discussed it - Gear$$$Cheap: Roughly under $50, or under $15/month.
Resistance bands
Loop and tube bands for activation work, mobility drills and travel training
Backed by 6 of 62 stacks: 4 do it, 1 recommend it, 1 have discussed it - Gear$$$Mid: Roughly $50 to $500, or up to $50/month.Backed by 6 of 62 stacks: 4 do it, 1 recommend it, 1 have discussed it
- Gear$$$Expensive: Several hundred dollars and up.
Cold plunge tub
Chilled tub that holds cold water ready, instead of hauling bags of ice
Backed by 4 of 62 stacks: 4 do it, 0 recommend it, 0 have discussed it - Gear$$$Cheap: Roughly under $50, or under $15/month.
Heart rate monitor
Chest strap or watch that logs heart rate and estimates calories burned
Backed by 4 of 62 stacks: 2 do it, 2 recommend it, 0 have discussed it
Gear entry · notes paraphrased from cited sources, quoted excerpts copied from the transcript they link to. Not medical advice. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or reviewed by anyone listed. How this works.