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Balance and stability are two key components of any effective fitness routine. Whether you’re a weight lifter, runner or yogi, having a strong sense of balance and stability is essential for executing exercises with proper form and avoiding injury. Smith Machine exercises are an effective way to increase your balance and stability, and can be adapted for athletes of all levels.
Shop The Collection: Smith MachinesA Smith Machine is a type of exercise machine that combines elements of free weights and machines. It consists of a barbell attached to a vertical frame with several different adjustable weights. The barbell is fixed in place and moves only vertically along the frame, allowing users to safely perform compound movements with heavy weights without the need for a spotter. By using the Smith Machine, users can target specific muscle groups more accurately and safely than with free weights alone.
Shop The Gear: Altas M810 All-in-One Functional Smith Trainer, $3,699.99 CAD
Smith Machine exercises offer several benefits compared to other types of training. First, they allow users to lift heavier weights than they would be able to with free weights alone. This allows users to target deeper muscle fibers, resulting in greater strength and muscle gains. Smith Machine exercises also allow users to better isolate and target specific muscles, as the barbell is fixed in place on the vertical frame and only moves straight up and down. This makes it easier for users to focus on form and get the most out of their workouts.
Shop The Collection: Altas StrengthFinally, Smith Machine exercises are safer than traditional weight lifting. Since the barbell is tightly locked in place on the frame, there is no risk of dropping it or losing control of it. This is especially beneficial for beginners who may not have the strength or coordination to effectively control the weight while doing exercises with free weights.
Shop The Gear: Altas Strength AL-3058G All-in-One Smith Trainer Machine, $3,799.00 CAD
The Smith Machine can be used to improve your balance and stability in a variety of ways. Here are some examples of Smith Machine exercises that are specifically designed to increase balance and stability:
Single-leg squats are an effective way to challenge your balance and stability. To do this exercise, start with one foot planted firmly on the ground and the other elevated slightly behind you. Place your hands on the barbell and press it up as you lower into a squat position. Make sure to keep your chest up and your back flat as you lower yourself. As you come back up, drive through the heel of the grounded foot and squeeze your glutes at the top. Perform 8-12 reps on each leg and repeat for 3-4 sets.
Step-ups are another great exercise for improving balance and stability. To do this exercise, start by standing in front of the Smith Machine and placing one foot on the bar. Push through the heel of your grounded foot as you step up onto the bar. Once you’re on top of the bar, pause for a few seconds before slowly lowering yourself back down. Make sure to keep your chest up and your back flat throughout the entire movement. Repeat the same motion on the other side and perform 8-12 reps on each leg. Repeat for 3-4 sets.
Overhead presses are a great way to challenge your balance and stability. To do this exercise, start with the barbell directly above your head. Brace your core and press the barbell up as you exhale. Once the barbell is fully extended, pause for a few seconds before slowly lowering it back to the starting position. Make sure to keep your chest up, your back flat and your shoulders down throughout the entire movement. Perform 8-12 reps and repeat for 3-4 sets.
Lunges are an effective way to target your balance and stability. To do this exercise, start by standing in front of the Smith Machine with your feet about hip-width apart. Place your hands on the barbell and push it up as you lunge forward with one leg. Make sure to keep your chest up, your back flat and your shoulders down as you lunge. Once you’ve reached a 90-degree angle, pause for a few seconds before pushing through the heel of your grounded foot and returning to the starting position. Repeat the same motion on the other side and perform 8-12 reps on each leg. Repeat for 3-4 sets.
Hip thrusts are an excellent way to strengthen your hips, glutes and hamstrings while also challenging your balance and stability. To do this exercise, start by sitting in front of the Smith Machine with your feet flat on the ground and your upper back resting against the bar. Push through your heels as you thrust your hips up and squeeze your glutes at the top. Pause for a few seconds before slowly lowering yourself back to the starting position. Make sure to keep your chest up and your back flat throughout the entire movement. Perform 8-12 reps and repeat for 3-4 sets.
Smith Machine exercises are an effective way to increase your balance and stability. By incorporating single-leg squats, step-ups, overhead presses, lunges and hip thrusts into your workout routine, you can become stronger, more stable and better balanced. So don't forget to add Smith Machine exercises to your next workout!
