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20-08-2008, 10:55 PM
| #1 (permalink) |
| Newbie Trainer Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 14
 | Help needed PowerCage or Smith Machine Hi everybody i have only joined today and have been bodybuilding for about a year or so but ineed some advice i mainly train at home due to work restrictions etc and have the following equipment Powertec lat machine, leverage squat machine, leverage multi press and pec fly machine (all free weights). I want to take my training to a better level and this is where i need advice which would be all round better for me to get either a Powercage or Smith Machine Any advice greatfully received (also any advice on what make and models ) thanks steve |
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20-08-2008, 11:35 PM
| #2 (permalink) |
| Getting There...  Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: UK
Posts: 348
  | Re: Help needed PowerCage or Smith Machine I would go for the power cage every time. You can use it for squats, bench, shrugs. Depending on the model you get you can also get chin bars and also dip bars. Also some models allow you to add a cable attachment. I have a power cage at home with the above add-ons (and a bench) and there's very little excercises you can't do. And if you set it at the right height you can do your squats/bench presses etc... to failure on your own without worrying about hurting yourself! Finally, if you read Stuart McRobert's book, he recommends against Smith Machines for most big movements. For example both the squat and bench aren't naturally done in a straight up down line of movement. Using a Smith Machine makes your movement slightly unnatural and can (according to him) cause problems as you get to higher weights. Best of luck! |
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20-08-2008, 11:37 PM
| #3 (permalink) |
| Getting There... Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: UK
Posts: 348
| Re: Help needed PowerCage or Smith Machine Sorry - just read the last part of the question. I have a BodySolid power cage. I think I picked it because its pretty strong but reasonably'ish priced. Also it has a chin bar and I was able to add the dip bars and cable attachment. I've had it for 2 1/2 years and its performed very solidly! I'm sure you'll find other good makes too, though. |
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22-08-2008, 04:35 PM
| #6 (permalink) |
| Garage addict....trying to grow.  Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 932
| Re: Help needed PowerCage or Smith Machine Depends upon budget really but here is what i have........... Power cage/rack. http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/...5FPower%5FRack I have had 220kg on the barbell within this rack and although it rocks a bit it aint collapsed....just dont sit on the bar as well!!  Dont bother with dips attachment since two barbells/scaffold poles will work across the pegs. What i will advise is to get a decent bench....i've now got a second bench because the first one i bought although solid,i just couldn't get along with it. Also worth buying is dumbell hooks if you use heavy dumbells. http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/cp/ph.html If there are any exercises you're unsure of being able to use the power rack with,ask or PM me and i'll try and reply. |
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22-08-2008, 07:17 PM
| #7 (permalink) |
| Newbie Trainer Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 14
| Re: Help needed PowerCage or Smith Machine Thanks all for help (no i dont work Toyota garage) i have decided on a Power Cage and was looking at the powertec one, anyone tried it, any good. thanks again for everyones help so far cant wait to get one and try it out. steve |
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28-08-2008, 09:16 PM
| #12 (permalink) |
| Newbie Trainer  Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 37
| Re: Help needed PowerCage or Smith Machine The powertec is a solid bit of kit and the dip bars are useful . I have a powerline rack with lat attachment . Works perfectly for me . You will need a good bench as said above You also need to measure up properly as the size of a rack especially with a lat attachnent is massive Wouldnt even look at a smith machine |
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13-09-2008, 08:00 PM
| #13 (permalink) |
| Newbie Trainer Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 14
| Re: Help needed PowerCage or Smith Machine Sorry about delay in replying have been working away in bletchley (have joined gym there as well working there in week for next 12 months) anyway powercage turned up today what a piece of kit used it for about an hour and now wonder how i survived without, thanks everyone for help and advice and i know i made the right decision. On another note i am selling my powertec squat machine because of space if anyone interested . thanks again and again for all your advice steve |
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17-09-2008, 09:52 PM
| #14 (permalink) |
| Newbie Trainer  Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: glasgow
Posts: 17
| Re: Help needed PowerCage or Smith Machine iv got a "powertec-power-rack"-it is very solid,can hold/cope-with 1000-pound weight-(safely)! great dip-bars + pull-ups hold 400-pound safely! id definately recomend you get one-iv had mine for 1-year now + you just cant go wrong with it! it will last a lifetime-garunteed! cheers. |
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