Lifting heavy weights supports incredible increases in strength. Someone who performs heavy lifts with top compound exercises, such as the squat, bench press, shoulder press, and more, will undoubtedly experience significant gains. For safety reasons, lifters work with a spotter when increasing the number of weighted plates on a bar. Not everyone, however, brings a partner to the gym. Thankfully, there is an equipment-based solution: the Smith machine. Forward-thinking gym owners can set up a combination Smith machine and free weight area to assist solo lifters with their goals.

The Smith Machine Concept: Design Pros and Cons

The Smith machine's mechanical design involves connecting a bar on to two parallel safety tracks on the right and left side. A hook on the bar allows the lifter to lock the weights in place with a twist of the wrist. This way, lifting heavy weights by oneself becomes safer. Someone who works out solo early in the morning can lift a little heavy and build up more strength with less worry. Unfortunately, there is also a drawback to the Smith machine. Since the bar remains locked in place, supporting muscles miss out due to the lack of movement on the bar. Fear not, as a possible solution to the equipment's limitation does exist.

Adding a Dumbbell Area Near the Smith Machine

Lifting dumbbells on adjustable seats and benches offers a greater range of motion and movement not possible with a Smith machine. That said, someone may not be able to lift the same amount of weight on dumbbells since the supporting muscles might develop a little weaker. That's fine, as strength will gradually increase across the board through consistent workouts. Perhaps gym owners could post suggestions for Smith machine/dumbbell combination workouts. A custom wall poster near the equipment could provide suggestions for exercise sessions.

Making the Dumbbell Area an "Exclusive" One

Consider setting up a unique dumbbell rack and chair/bench next to the Smith machine with signs stating the dumbbells are exclusively for Smith machine users. This way, people hitting the Smith machine can seamlessly move onto the dumbbell exercises without waiting or sharing equipment with other members. Of course, those other members would have a dumbbell setup available to them elsewhere in the gym.

Top-Quality Equipment Counts

Choose your gym's Smith machine and dumbbells wisely. Buy top-quality and long-lasting equipment from an established seller. The better the equipment, the better the workout should be for members.

If you want to know more, you might try visiting website that deal with strength training equipment. Maybe you have specific space restrictions or just want find out more about your options, and doing more research to supplement what you already know will only help!