Ok, ok, MAYBE in this video I go a ‘little’ over board.. However I will say that the Smith Machine is the most over-rated piece of equipment in the gym. Why people start workouts with it is beyond me… Check out the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOT2sLfQMRI
In summary, a smith machine MAYBE useful for a hypertrophy phase. If your after transferable, real, everyday strength – not so much.
Mark