Man if the young guys would just listen to you....there would be some monster looking guys in the gym...thx for all the real knowledge....preach on brotha.
My legs are getting monstrous after putting the intensity i get from Johns videos, granted im only a little over a year in the gym but fuck I love leg days now.
Been working out at my gym using John's technique suggestions (though I too am old school with old school knowledge) so I need today's up-to-date information and John is the source, I have been having others watch me do my workouts and now notice them doing (John's based) my workouts routines. I guess they don't know where to go for information needed to improve. Ah well, I'll get huge as they try to figure it out and/or follow.
As someone who struggles with rotator cuff/shoulder issues, this video has been a gift from heaven. Both the decline and incline methods have helped my shoulder ALOT. Thank you John
My PF location is laying on that alarm. I guess after the Quarantine period this location is no where near its pre Q attendance or membership level. Gyms can't survive if their policies are not beneficial to it's members. (Vote/Agree with issues when and where you spend your fiat paper.)
You've stopped my shoulder pain from bench, please keep the form videos coming. I could never do over 225 because of the pain. I've blown past that and have surpassed 400 now. Thank you so much!!!!!
Great tips for chest training on a smith machine. I was a competitive bodybuilder for 30 years and just got back to the gyms m after a 10 year layoff. I’m now 66 and its amazing how muscle memory plays a role in seeing results faster than someone who never trained. Keep em coming.
Same here. I was a powerlifter and bodybuilder for years and took off 13 years and returned back recently to the gym and my body is gaining fast. However I am no longer benching 425, squatting 500 or curling 200lbs anymore. This video helps me learn great tips for smith machine training.
I mean. I dont try to sound like a youtube fitness nut. Im not huge by any means. But i consider myself to be in pretty decent shape for a natural athlete. I train mostly for aesthetics and got blessed with my fathers good genetics. Type of guy never a day in the gym and was the most ripped guy on the beach. Paired with proper weight training at my age now im not superhuman but im confident in my shape. I see these big bloated guys with no definition. Vascularity or any type of muscle whatsoever lifting as much as they can on a flat bench with terrible form. And have no chest at all. Meanwhile guys like me who train alone stick to dumbells and slow contractions on the smith machine, ive had people ask me what i take because of how my chest is shaped and petrudes through my shirt when i get pumped through my workout lmao. I show no shame using the smith machine for military press and my chest workouts. With light ass weight bc it allows me to slow down my reps and focus all tension directly on my chest. Then when i have the occasional partner to spot. I can load up the barbell a little higher in weight and go for strength.
I'm an Italian physician, I work as a nutritionist mostly with athletes. I just taken part of the international ISSN conference where spoke also Brad Schoenfeld. You know what? There's a substantial difference between "academic" approach and your approach: you give us you real knowledge, you teach something. I found in your channel more cues than in a 3-days conference. If you haven't though bout it, take some international seminars on training and nutrition: you're on a hi level my friend, I tell you by a physician pov
Brad is a good friend of mine. Thank you, i have done conferences in Australia, England, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, etc. I love sharing my experience with people that want to hear about it. THANK YOU!
Ahhh that is very common . Alot of academia are just paper pushers who seen dumbbells only through binoculars. When I go to the conferences I am amazed how many idiots are there.
My gym only has Smith machines for doing bar work. I have been doing these for a few months now and my upper chest is the best it has ever been. Thank you for not making fun of the Smith machine. For some people it's our only option.
Same here bro. Been training at Planet Fitness for 2 years and I went from 150 to 190 am I have a great chest. Girls tell me some times that I have boobs LOL
Ever since I've been watching your content it makes me realize how wrong I've been doing things. Its amazing how small things like the position of the elbow can make or break you. Thanks again for all the great info. A lot of us need it.
10 sets of all exercises and a log of what made you sore will give you the road map to your own body's unique workout...and huge gains....this is golden knowledge.
Wow, probably the most informative weight lifting video I have seen yet. Maybe it was because he wasn't bragging the whole time or tried to show how smart he is. Just subbed
as a 30+ guy love how this channel puts more emphasis on staying healthy for the long run, even if that means not going full range of motion all the time. It's awesome to be getting this kind of info for free, keep it up
It's not for free, support John and Granite Supplements, Co. Put your money where you put your time and support those that indirectly support you. "No man is an Island" - Lord Byron Honoring another is better than honoring yourself, for in that end you who sought your own honor found none and are alone.
John, i had a discussion with my gyms owner today over the positioning of his smith machine. Thanks to the info you provided me i was able to show him it was turned around the wrong way. You are a master teacher. Lots of love bro, Adrian!
I live in the middle of nowhere and work third shift which means the Smith Machine is the closest thing to a bench press I have access to. I have had to go another direction for my chest but this was very helpful in giving me more tools. Really appreciate it!
I've always avoided the Smith machine because I was apprehensive about the fixed bar path, thank you for this video. Great to be able to gain this knowledge without putting myself at risk through trial and error.
I enjoyed your training a lot, and I have included all of your exercises to my routine, and you are right I have no more shoulder pain. thank you very much and have a good day sir.
Thanks John, I've been lifting for over 20 years but I'm still open to learn better tips for growth and to avoid injury especially now that I'm 52. Your advice is golden brother, thanks.
I could be wrong, but I believe I've might this guy at a plant fitness gym in West Chester, PA about 8 years ago. He's a great guy; very down to earth and kind to help a stranger like me. It's great to see him killing it at the gym here. Thank you for your contribution to the sport and fitness community! God bless!
This was refreshing to watch and makes me feel like I'm doing things right! I started an 8 rep, 6 rep, 4 rep, 4/4/amrap dropset routine on both the bench press (20/30 degree alternating every week on Mondays) and shoulder press (60/70 degrees alternating on Thursdays) on the smith machine and on both exercises my strength went through the roof. I watched this video and realized I was doing it exactly as you prescribed. Awesome channel and I love when the notifications pop up! Also, your shirts are always on point and I'm 100% house Targaryen.
I always used dumbbells for my chest and never felt anything. Tried the smith and the next day my chest was on fire. So IMO the smith machine does work.
I started following John’s chest workout routine and since then I’ve gotten better and faster results and I’m in far less pain on my shoulders. It’s nearly all gone. Thanks John. RIP 🙏
john was great because he checks his ego at the door and when giving knowledge, the ego clogs or takes away from the message. John is a great person to learn from. Miss this guy
Man as an older young man my shoulder have been terrorized by my own decisions in the gym...some good some not so much. This advice is golden and I'm very eager to try it out whilst I'm in holiday this week....I'll get back to you and thank you so much! Sincerely, a pair of shoulders with attitude problems 😊
Funny I’ve had rotator cuff problems off & on for years now & started doing these exact movements about 6 months ago. They’re great. Everything you’ve said is true. I workout at harbor fitness in Brooklyn Newyork & a member told me you’ve been training him for about 2 months now. I’ve known him a while & I can already see changes in his physique. Best of luck mountain dog. Shalom ✊🏾🙏🏾
I really appreciate your continued focus on how to use the smith machine. It really gets a bad rap. When the bench is flat, then of course using the barbell is the way to go. However, when it comes to the high incline, the smith machine is just easier and safer so that you can focus on the upper chest and shoulders. There are plenty of other exercises to train the stabilizing muscles.
At 55 years, with chronic sciatica, I do appreciate the stabilizing features of machines. Better to sacrifice ego than to sustain injuries. Thanks, John.
John your videos are awesome. None of these exercises are by any means new to the fitness world, but the tips you drop are pure gold. I started lifting in the late 80s early 90s with nothing but the Weider System course charts my dad gave me, any tricks learned was completely by feel and on my own. Taking your advice and implementing your tips in my routine have made my workouts a blast. After all these years I still love hearing them weights clang, your vids have helped alot with that, thank you my friend and keep it coming.
I have started to like the smith machine more because like you said on the busy days, it's the one thing people don't seem to be using. It's also nice to add some variety to the usual stuff.
I'm 62 so I use the Smith a lot.I will be more cognizant of my elbow placement and range of motion.Thanks so much again Mountain Dog.Also loved the vids of you and my man Jay Cutler...you, Eric Broser and David Broulet are the only guys out there I can relate to especially at my advanced age Lo!.
This is A1 High-Quality Instruction!... I always thought smith machines were only useful for maintenance or beginner strength. The last exercise for the upper chest is brilliant and looks like just what I need. Thank you for this.
Ill miss this guy, this is great advice and more people should use the smith machine. You can get big with it, but people don't want to be called a wuss.
Brother I have been working out for over 20 years and you just took me to school, thank you so much and God-bless you and your channel! Keep up the good work👊🏼
I became a fan of your channel when I saw Jay Cutler on your show. I enjoyed the technique you both displayed. I became hooked learning more about technique & preventing injuries while maximizing results. Your understanding of anatomy and skeletal structure is impressive. No wonder why you're still going strong in the industry.
Glad i came across this. I always stayed away from smith machines just because i heard negative things and ive always been more of a believer in dumbells for stability and didnt want to remove that factor. Well being as though my heavy weeks are limited to 75lb dumbells at PF (over 35min drive to next nearest non pf gym vs 10min away) i need better options to overload when i go heavy. Thanks for the video. Once gyms open back up this will get added! 👍
My preferences were: Incline dumbbells... Incline Smith's (when available) Flat bench... I always found when I did incline work first, my flat bench blew up. All the best. 👍
Oh man John I'm so excited for this video. I'm in my first year of training and "all" I have is a planet fitness. This is gonna make my day. Also, from your vids with nippard, found out you're just north of me, I think. I'm down in Athens! Anyway, huge fan. Thanks for all your content! I'm eating it up
@@Verdad2024 I use the smith for deadlift and squat too. I know you have to be very careful using it for those, but it can be done. I do feet forward squat and just a fairly light sumo DL with the smith.
I took my bench from 70lbs - 250lbs just from smith machine at pf took two years but now I'm benching two plates, smith is nice because u don't need to stabilize the weight like u would with a barbell, if u go to heavy I always use wrist wraps, only because unracking the smith machine can mess ur wrists up
As someone who only utilizes a low stocked community gym with dumbbells and a smith machine, it’s great to know how to properly operate the minimal equipment. This addressed issues I had because of a lack of knowledge. Following this advice, I could immediately feel a difference with better chest activation. Thank you for another quality video
Smith machine for the chest is new to me, but I should try cause I aspire for your thick strong chest! Your tips in every workout makes the trainigs more effective and challenging. I always appreciate it!
You're brilliant. i've been researching youtube videos on form for years, but came across your page today. Everything you say resonates with me, thank you! I'm always trying to improve.
This guy is so right i have ruined my right shoulder and i soon have my arthroscope surgery and man that talk about the military press and chest on smith is so true. It's enough to go to eye level something and MAX to chin level for a little more chest but if you only want to involve your shoulders eye level approx is enough. Good man talking real. I love this. Subbed.
thanks for all your tips, im stuck working out at planet fitness and they only have the smith machine for a barbell type of work out and I couldn't find any information on building chest using the smith machine.
Man u got me pumped! I just stated Goin to the gym in January, and was starting to get a groove until everything closed. I can't wait till the gym opens man. I'm Goin so hard. Can't take things for granted.
John. While I do watch several RUclipsrs whose tips I adopt and get results from, I always get at least one tip or more from your videos. A few nights ago I did the decline smith press from your recent "Perfect 3 Exercises Lower / Outer chest" and was able to lift more and get more activation. I am trying to even out my right side which fails in a DB/BB press a few reps before my left. My right shoulder and arm tires and struggles to lift a bench press no matter the weight and it's difficult to keep the shoulder back. I have been using different methods to even it out, including shoulder work, focusing on keep my shoulder back with a lighter weight/higher rep to get past the failure point. Today, I was going to do incline/flat/decline on the smith to see if this helps the imbalance and this video was perfect timing.
Today is chest day and I will have to incorporate some of your tips and wisdom. Thanks, John, for being an inspiration to old folks like myself to never give up.
That Last movement Must be brutal for Upper pecs. I've read somewhere someone asked Franco Columbu (RIP) why his Upper pec is so Big & thick he said, i used to do These very high incline Shoulder presses & over time my upper pec grew from them.
Saw the ad first was 15 seconds and thought maybe this was a joke "only free weights will give you results Smith machines are for weaklings" vid, but of course leave it to Mr. Meadows to make yet another fantastic functional training vid. Thanks!
Thank you for a very detailed training video. I like that you identify the proper way to perform each exercise and explain what can hurt us. Thank you very much.
Cheers John I was using the Smith today for chest and I also love it. Your videos are very helpful, guys like me need to hear this stuff to avoid injury. This vid is very good, thanks.
Thanks. I did the smith machine a few months ago once, and told my guys I really liked it. However afterwards my right shoulder hurt incrementally over the next couple weeks. Stopped benching at home for about a month. Was at that point where I started wondering if it would ever go away. Feels great now, but actually wondered if it had something to do with that smith. Here it was likely my approach. Very glad I came across your videos. I like this machine and I’m going to do it again. You personally saved someone’s quality of life. Glad I’m not going to likely do it wrong again. Thank you for the tutorial and your skilled knowledge. Great job 👍
Great video. I was unaware that I was putting so much tension on my rotator cuff. Keep up the great work helping us lil guys grow and stay healthy!!! Thanks dog!
Love these type of videos about different angles and where it hits the muscle. You did one with Eugene Teo using machines which was great. Would really like to see one on rear delts - angles, elbow and hand placement. So difficult to get a mind muscle connection for rear delts.
R.I.P. Big Mountaindog1 we’ll definitely miss all of your excellent tips, & great tutorials! You’ve taught me more than you could ever know …
This guy died RIP man, I didn't even know, this my first time see his video
@@Abdullah7Moorad yeah he passed away last Sunday morning from a rare colon disease he was an amazing person
I heard that I had a lot of gains and progression because of John. RIP 🙏 Mountaindog.
@@Abdullah7Moorad same bro, wtf… rip
Damn RIP
Man if the young guys would just listen to you....there would be some monster looking guys in the gym...thx for all the real knowledge....preach on brotha.
My legs are getting monstrous after putting the intensity i get from Johns videos, granted im only a little over a year in the gym but fuck I love leg days now.
Dude is a beast. I love his vids.
@@thekproject9339 he just put up a new leg workout video today.
Been working out at my gym using John's technique suggestions (though I too am old school with old school knowledge) so I need today's up-to-date information and John is the source, I have been having others watch me do my workouts and now notice them doing (John's based) my workouts routines. I guess they don't know where to go for information needed to improve. Ah well, I'll get huge as they try to figure it out and/or follow.
John Meadows: alright hey everybody.
Me: today is a good day.
You didnt even need to use your AK ?
@@user-rd5nc1nb9f I see what you did there.
😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂
I was wondering if I was the only one who loves that
As someone who struggles with rotator cuff/shoulder issues, this video has been a gift from heaven. Both the decline and incline methods have helped my shoulder ALOT. Thank you John
Glad it helped!
same ty
Couldn’t agree more it’s been a great help with my dodgy shoulder
Me too i have shoulder pain most time i bench
Guess this means I’m renewing my Planet Fitness subscription bois get that lunk alarm ready
lol
Yeah I'm probably gonna get the ban hammer today
LOL LOL YEP me too
My PF location is laying on that alarm. I guess after the Quarantine period this location is no where near its pre Q attendance or membership level. Gyms can't survive if their policies are not beneficial to it's members. (Vote/Agree with issues when and where you spend your fiat paper.)
@@raymondstreig1103 that's right !!! here in maine they just want members ... screw the alarm !!!
You've stopped my shoulder pain from bench, please keep the form videos coming. I could never do over 225 because of the pain. I've blown past that and have surpassed 400 now. Thank you so much!!!!!
thats great!
Great tips for chest training on a smith machine. I was a competitive bodybuilder for 30 years and just got back to the gyms m after a 10 year layoff. I’m now 66 and its amazing how muscle memory plays a role in seeing results faster than someone who never trained. Keep em coming.
I agree same here past competitor hit the 🏋️♂️again 6yrs ago am 63 now feeling good just to bounce back into shape 🇨🇦
Same here. I was a powerlifter and bodybuilder for years and took off 13 years and returned back recently to the gym and my body is gaining fast. However I am no longer benching 425, squatting 500 or curling 200lbs anymore. This video helps me learn great tips for smith machine training.
I always looked at the smith machine as a bench when you dont have a spotter. I don't get why theres so much hate on it.
Anthony DeRosa I like the smith machine for close grip bench press and Z press .
power rack
I mean. I dont try to sound like a youtube fitness nut. Im not huge by any means. But i consider myself to be in pretty decent shape for a natural athlete. I train mostly for aesthetics and got blessed with my fathers good genetics. Type of guy never a day in the gym and was the most ripped guy on the beach. Paired with proper weight training at my age now im not superhuman but im confident in my shape. I see these big bloated guys with no definition. Vascularity or any type of muscle whatsoever lifting as much as they can on a flat bench with terrible form. And have no chest at all. Meanwhile guys like me who train alone stick to dumbells and slow contractions on the smith machine, ive had people ask me what i take because of how my chest is shaped and petrudes through my shirt when i get pumped through my workout lmao. I show no shame using the smith machine for military press and my chest workouts. With light ass weight bc it allows me to slow down my reps and focus all tension directly on my chest. Then when i have the occasional partner to spot. I can load up the barbell a little higher in weight and go for strength.
I like pin presses with the Smith machine. Gets my shoulder angles perfect before any weight is put on it.
I use it occasionally; remember free weights are harder also:ruclips.net/video/ZsnhqX0KXeU/видео.html
I'm an Italian physician, I work as a nutritionist mostly with athletes.
I just taken part of the international ISSN conference where spoke also Brad Schoenfeld.
You know what? There's a substantial difference between "academic" approach and your approach: you give us you real knowledge, you teach something.
I found in your channel more cues than in a 3-days conference.
If you haven't though bout it, take some international seminars on training and nutrition: you're on a hi level my friend, I tell you by a physician pov
Brad is a good friend of mine. Thank you, i have done conferences in Australia, England, Ireland, Scotland, Canada, etc. I love sharing my experience with people that want to hear about it. THANK YOU!
Ahhh that is very common . Alot of academia are just paper pushers who seen dumbbells only through binoculars. When I go to the conferences I am amazed how many idiots are there.
My gym only has Smith machines for doing bar work. I have been doing these for a few months now and my upper chest is the best it has ever been. Thank you for not making fun of the Smith machine. For some people it's our only option.
Same here bro. Been training at Planet Fitness for 2 years and I went from 150 to 190 am I have a great chest. Girls tell me some times that I have boobs LOL
@@dasun13 bruh i had to get implants for boobs
*im a guy*
Ever since I've been watching your content it makes me realize how wrong I've been doing things. Its amazing how small things like the position of the elbow can make or break you. Thanks again for all the great info. A lot of us need it.
definitely the little things!
10 sets of all exercises and a log of what made you sore will give you the road map to your own body's unique workout...and huge gains....this is golden knowledge.
Wow, probably the most informative weight lifting video I have seen yet. Maybe it was because he wasn't bragging the whole time or tried to show how smart he is. Just subbed
Lol I love the video intro "alright hi everybody " it's so friendly and welcoming on all the vids
as a 30+ guy love how this channel puts more emphasis on staying healthy for the long run, even if that means not going full range of motion all the time.
It's awesome to be getting this kind of info for free, keep it up
It's not for free, support John and Granite Supplements, Co. Put your money where you put your time and support those that indirectly support you. "No man is an Island" - Lord Byron Honoring another is better than honoring yourself, for in that end you who sought your own honor found none and are alone.
@@raymondstreig1103 uh...sure ofc support John and all but still supporting John doesn't make his videos any less free
He’s actually right about hurting the shoulder, I tore mines coming down with flared elbows
John, i had a discussion with my gyms owner today over the positioning of his smith machine. Thanks to the info you provided me i was able to show him it was turned around the wrong way. You are a master teacher. Lots of love bro, Adrian!
haha cool!
My heart goes out to his family. Thank you champ, you are still teaching us !!
I live in the middle of nowhere and work third shift which means the Smith Machine is the closest thing to a bench press I have access to. I have had to go another direction for my chest but this was very helpful in giving me more tools. Really appreciate it!
I've always avoided the Smith machine because I was apprehensive about the fixed bar path, thank you for this video. Great to be able to gain this knowledge without putting myself at risk through trial and error.
I enjoyed your training a lot, and I have included all of your exercises to my routine, and you are right I have no more shoulder pain.
thank you very much and have a good day sir.
I like the Smith machine. When I wana go heavier and habe no spotter I use it
I love the Smith machine. It allows me to do a ton of pase lifts, negative lifts, and isometric holds safely. Great video!
Just started using the Smith machine. This video came at the right time to protect my shoulders. Thanks!
Love your down to earth & common sense approach to training. Keep em coming.
Great info! I'm one of those guys who never use the smith machine, but this made me change my mind.
Thanks John, I've been lifting for over 20 years but I'm still open to learn better tips for growth and to avoid injury especially now that I'm 52. Your advice is golden brother, thanks.
I could be wrong, but I believe I've might this guy at a plant fitness gym in West Chester, PA about 8 years ago. He's a great guy; very down to earth and kind to help a stranger like me. It's great to see him killing it at the gym here. Thank you for your contribution to the sport and fitness community! God bless!
He passed away
The slight decline bench press sound really great to avoid overtraining the delt and focusing more on the pec.
I love smith for chest it allows me to go for failure when there's no spotter around. Thanks for the video you're the best.
A good man, full off passion and enthusiasm, that's how I will always remember you. R.I.P. John
This was refreshing to watch and makes me feel like I'm doing things right! I started an 8 rep, 6 rep, 4 rep, 4/4/amrap dropset routine on both the bench press (20/30 degree alternating every week on Mondays) and shoulder press (60/70 degrees alternating on Thursdays) on the smith machine and on both exercises my strength went through the roof. I watched this video and realized I was doing it exactly as you prescribed. Awesome channel and I love when the notifications pop up! Also, your shirts are always on point and I'm 100% house Targaryen.
100%!
So wats ur current set to reps routine ?? For straight bench and then to a decline or incline bench set ?
RIP Mountaindog - your a legend who lives on forever!
I always used dumbbells for my chest and never felt anything. Tried the smith and the next day my chest was on fire. So IMO the smith machine does work.
JoeM350 smith machine helped me feel it too. The Hammer Strength machines did nothing for me.
I’ve used Smith Machine in powerlifting to get through sticking points in bench and squat. Works a charm.
I started following John’s chest workout routine and since then I’ve gotten better and faster results and I’m in far less pain on my shoulders. It’s nearly all gone. Thanks John. RIP 🙏
John blessing everyone with all this knowledge
john was great because he checks his ego at the door and when giving knowledge, the ego clogs or takes away from the message. John is a great person to learn from. Miss this guy
Loved the advise you gave. I use the smith machine a lot and I’ve been using it wrong. Now I know what to do.
Great guidance. Still Relevant after John has pasted. Rest in peace John. This your legacy.
Man as an older young man my shoulder have been terrorized by my own decisions in the gym...some good some not so much. This advice is golden and I'm very eager to try it out whilst I'm in holiday this week....I'll get back to you and thank you so much!
Sincerely, a pair of shoulders with attitude problems 😊
Funny I’ve had rotator cuff problems off & on for years now & started doing these exact movements about 6 months ago. They’re great. Everything you’ve said is true. I workout at harbor fitness in Brooklyn Newyork & a member told me you’ve been training him for about 2 months now. I’ve known him a while & I can already see changes in his physique. Best of luck mountain dog. Shalom ✊🏾🙏🏾
I really appreciate your continued focus on how to use the smith machine. It really gets a bad rap. When the bench is flat, then of course using the barbell is the way to go. However, when it comes to the high incline, the smith machine is just easier and safer so that you can focus on the upper chest and shoulders. There are plenty of other exercises to train the stabilizing muscles.
Gentleman John Meadows ....always great info!
Always with a great video! Thank you. God bless you!
At 55 years, with chronic sciatica, I do appreciate the stabilizing features of machines. Better to sacrifice ego than to sustain injuries. Thanks, John.
perfect timing on this as its chest day and still recovering from hip replacement 6 wks so rather than heavy DBs im using Smith.
Well John will be missed what an incredible wealth of knowledge
@myemail2440heart failure
Great exercises, started doing the decline press, added 4 sets to my usual chest workout (2x/week) 3 weeks ago and it has totally changed my pecs.
hell yea!
John your videos are awesome. None of these exercises are by any means new to the fitness world, but the tips you drop are pure gold. I started lifting in the late 80s early 90s with nothing but the Weider System course charts my dad gave me, any tricks learned was completely by feel and on my own. Taking your advice and implementing your tips in my routine have made my workouts a blast. After all these years I still love hearing them weights clang, your vids have helped alot with that, thank you my friend and keep it coming.
I have started to like the smith machine more because like you said on the busy days, it's the one thing people don't seem to be using. It's also nice to add some variety to the usual stuff.
An absolute legend 🫡
I routinely re-watch John’s videos for tips and proper form.
YOU ARE A BRILLIANT TEACHER! Thx for sharing all this vital information, John! YOU ARE A GOOD MAN, SIR!
ty!
I'm 62 so I use the Smith a lot.I will be more cognizant of my elbow placement and range of motion.Thanks so much again Mountain Dog.Also loved the vids of you and my man Jay Cutler...you, Eric Broser and David Broulet are the only guys out there I can relate to especially at my advanced age Lo!.
This is A1 High-Quality Instruction!... I always thought smith machines were only useful for maintenance or beginner strength. The last exercise for the upper chest is brilliant and looks like just what I need. Thank you for this.
Ill miss this guy, this is great advice and more people should use the smith machine. You can get big with it, but people don't want to be called a wuss.
Brother I have been working out for over 20 years and you just took me to school, thank you so much and God-bless you and your channel! Keep up the good work👊🏼
I became a fan of your channel when I saw Jay Cutler on your show. I enjoyed the technique you both displayed. I became hooked learning more about technique & preventing injuries while maximizing results. Your understanding of anatomy and skeletal structure is impressive. No wonder why you're still going strong in the industry.
thank you!
A real gentleman and a proper bodybuilder, love your advice thanks
Glad i came across this. I always stayed away from smith machines just because i heard negative things and ive always been more of a believer in dumbells for stability and didnt want to remove that factor. Well being as though my heavy weeks are limited to 75lb dumbells at PF (over 35min drive to next nearest non pf gym vs 10min away) i need better options to overload when i go heavy. Thanks for the video. Once gyms open back up this will get added! 👍
My preferences were:
Incline dumbbells...
Incline Smith's (when available)
Flat bench...
I always found when I did incline work first, my flat bench blew up.
All the best. 👍
Smith machine has given me some of the best pumps on exercises like narrow stance squats.
yes
Oh man John I'm so excited for this video. I'm in my first year of training and "all" I have is a planet fitness. This is gonna make my day. Also, from your vids with nippard, found out you're just north of me, I think. I'm down in Athens! Anyway, huge fan. Thanks for all your content! I'm eating it up
Planet fitness has all the essentials. Aside from Deadlifts and Squat. You should be good. I see some pretty yoked guys at PF.
@@Verdad2024 I use the smith for deadlift and squat too. I know you have to be very careful using it for those, but it can be done. I do feet forward squat and just a fairly light sumo DL with the smith.
I took my bench from 70lbs - 250lbs just from smith machine at pf took two years but now I'm benching two plates, smith is nice because u don't need to stabilize the weight like u would with a barbell, if u go to heavy I always use wrist wraps, only because unracking the smith machine can mess ur wrists up
As someone who only utilizes a low stocked community gym with dumbbells and a smith machine, it’s great to know how to properly operate the minimal equipment. This addressed issues I had because of a lack of knowledge. Following this advice, I could immediately feel a difference with better chest activation. Thank you for another quality video
Smith machine for the chest is new to me, but I should try cause I aspire for your thick strong chest! Your tips in every workout makes the trainigs more effective and challenging. I always appreciate it!
added smith to my routine and it blew up my upper chest quite a bit give it a try
I have shoulder problems. So when my shoulders hurt I hit the smith.
Shits bomb yo 👍😁
Massively missed one of a small number of guys I loved watching and listening to RIP brother 💪🏻
Never used this machine before, but after this excellent video, I will definitely give it ago.
Your alright your one of the few who actually focuses on your routine on here all the other guys talk about everything but their routine
You're brilliant. i've been researching youtube videos on form for years, but came across your page today. Everything you say resonates with me, thank you! I'm always trying to improve.
This is all new work for my push workouts now, working around my shoulder impingement...slowly but surely trying to get it back thanks John as always
I currently workout at home and I only have a Smith machine so I find these videos very useful. Thanks. 👍
Love this , this completely changed my training and helped me grow .
This guy is so right i have ruined my right shoulder and i soon have my arthroscope surgery and man that talk about the military press and chest on smith is so true. It's enough to go to eye level something and MAX to chin level for a little more chest but if you only want to involve your shoulders eye level approx is enough. Good man talking real. I love this. Subbed.
thanks for all your tips, im stuck working out at planet fitness and they only have the smith machine for a barbell type of work out and I couldn't find any information on building chest using the smith machine.
arm placement in this video is astounding. this technique will take my chest to another level. glad i came across yur videos. thanx.
new sub.
thank you!
@@mountaindog1 yur welcome.
Just found this channel a few weeks ago, I'm hooked. In addition to great tips, Mr. Meadows seems like a really nice dude.
thank you!
Man u got me pumped! I just stated Goin to the gym in January, and was starting to get a groove until everything closed. I can't wait till the gym opens man. I'm Goin so hard. Can't take things for granted.
Rock on!
I’m really suffering from my shoulders, and this really helped thank you
John. While I do watch several RUclipsrs whose tips I adopt and get results from, I always get at least one tip or more from your videos. A few nights ago I did the decline smith press from your recent "Perfect 3 Exercises Lower / Outer chest" and was able to lift more and get more activation. I am trying to even out my right side which fails in a DB/BB press a few reps before my left. My right shoulder and arm tires and struggles to lift a bench press no matter the weight and it's difficult to keep the shoulder back. I have been using different methods to even it out, including shoulder work, focusing on keep my shoulder back with a lighter weight/higher rep to get past the failure point. Today, I was going to do incline/flat/decline on the smith to see if this helps the imbalance and this video was perfect timing.
give it a shot!
Still changing lives. Immortalised for all time ❤
I just bought Smith machine. I miss this dude! So much useful information.
Last chest day I used it for flat press. Ss long as your positioned correctly I find it's good.
Today is chest day and I will have to incorporate some of your tips and wisdom. Thanks, John, for being an inspiration to old folks like myself to never give up.
ok boss will try to remember turn is blues show love no haters for 2019-2022 some Dallas to Fort Worth to H-Town you will be blessed💯💯
Just tried this and the burn is real🔥🔥 all about the elbow angles! John is a legend
I love your assistance and all your helpful videos my brother John... Keep shining your amazing energy everywhere from the heavens 🙏💪🌞 we love you
That Last movement Must be brutal for Upper pecs. I've read somewhere someone asked Franco Columbu (RIP) why his Upper pec is so Big & thick he said, i used to do These very high incline Shoulder presses & over time my upper pec grew from them.
I will add this for push pull legs day routine
Saw the ad first was 15 seconds and thought maybe this was a joke "only free weights will give you results Smith machines are for weaklings" vid, but of course leave it to Mr. Meadows to make yet another fantastic functional training vid. Thanks!
Thank you for a very detailed training video. I like that you identify the proper way to perform each exercise and explain what can hurt us. Thank you very much.
Started using Smith for squats to work on my posture I really like it. Will try your advice on bench as always.
this slaps coming back needing info and this legend is still here on youtube to help. you will be missed king.
Cheers John I was using the Smith today for chest and I also love it. Your videos are very helpful, guys like me need to hear this stuff to avoid injury. This vid is very good, thanks.
Thanks. I did the smith machine a few months ago once, and told my guys I really liked it. However afterwards my right shoulder hurt incrementally over the next couple weeks. Stopped benching at home for about a month. Was at that point where I started wondering if it would ever go away. Feels great now, but actually wondered if it had something to do with that smith. Here it was likely my approach. Very glad I came across your videos. I like this machine and I’m going to do it again. You personally saved someone’s quality of life. Glad I’m not going to likely do it wrong again. Thank you for the tutorial and your skilled knowledge. Great job 👍
Class is in session!! Thank you MD1
Great video. I was unaware that I was putting so much tension on my rotator cuff. Keep up the great work helping us lil guys grow and stay healthy!!!
Thanks dog!
I agree with you on how to work out chest and shoulders. Works for me the sam way.
10:01 gosh it looks good af, really. And the reflex too
Love these type of videos about different angles and where it hits the muscle. You did one with Eugene Teo using machines which was great. Would really like to see one on rear delts - angles, elbow and hand placement. So difficult to get a mind muscle connection for rear delts.
John, I could not have made the gains I have without your guidance. Thank you for everything you do.
my pleasure!
Thanks for showing the smith machine for chest, helped me a lot. Keep up the great work.. Cheers
One of my fav channels! Maybe you can do a video series on Comics. How you started? Favorite characters? Fav comic based movie? Etc
i can do that!