Smith Machine exercise: the key points

Abstract

During the past two decades, sports scientists, coaches, therapeutic specialists, and other professionals are using the Smith Machine exercise (SME) to improve lower limb muscle strength. By overviewing the literature, the position of the bar, load, training volume (repetitions and sets), recovery (resting time), power, muscular work, and one repetition maximum (1-RM) are characteristics describing the SME and presented as variables on which the resistance training (RT) program periodization is focused. Therefore, the aim of the present brief review is to clarify this crucial point and to simplify the SME approach for the strength and condition trainers as well as for all other scientist involved in sports or therapeutic work. This brief review offers an insight into several recommendations on the key points, firmly based on relevant literature