You may be wondering, what is a BODYCRAFT Jones Machine. How is it different from the traditional Smith Machine. Or thinking, I’ve used a Smith Machine for years, why change now. Stay tuned, this post will answer those thoughts and more.
We will tell you why you should avoid a Smith Machine. We will inform you of an independent study completed on a Jones Machine vs. a Smith Machine. And finally, let you know the best way to use a Jones machine to its full advantage.
To define a Smith Machine, it is an exercise piece similar to a power rack but the barbell is locked within the steel rails. This allows for only vertical or near- vertical motion. This makes any exercise on a Smith locked into a fixed plane, and does not allow for free weight or even free weight-type movement. Due to this main feature, the Smith often puts the body in unnatural positions. This can not only limit the benefits of the exercise, but may even cause injury. (More on this point later).
What Makes the Jones Machine Different?
The BODYCRAFT Jones Machine is designed to provide more function, variety, and safety than a Smith. While the Jones Machine does have a barbell attached to its upright rails, multiple patented features allow for a more natural movement while using the Jones. First, the Jones Machine allows you to move both vertically and horizontally. This allows more natural movements. Second, the Jones was designed to have a natural lift off and re-rack that provides ease and safety in movement. On the topic of safety, the Jones also has hooks and safety spotters that travel with you. No more reaching in front of or behind your safe range of motion to re-rack!
What else? We have provided you options as well. From our most economic option of the Jones Freedom to our top-of-the-line Jones Platinum and a few options in between, we have designed and engineered a Jones to fit your budget and your needs.
With our Jones Platinum and Light Commercial, you are also able to choose the type of barbell that fits your needs. Choose from the standard Power Bar or the unique Active Balance Bar (ABB). The ABB tests your stability and requires additional activation of stabilizer muscles to balance the bar while performing the movement — allowing for that free weight feel and motion. However, we did not compromise safety as the barbell never travels out of range of one safety hook below and one above. So whenever you need to flick your wrist to rack the bar, the hooks are there. This also allows you to push yourself to gain the ultimate benefits during your workout.
Jones vs. Smith – Success vs. Injury
In an independent study completed by Neil Wollkodoff and Felipe Eichenberger at the Colorado Center for Health & Sport Science, they reviewed the history, definitions, and efficacy of the Jones vs. Smith. The authors compared range of motion of each machine using various popular exercises, including bench press and squat, and found the Smith did not fully replicate free bar training. As stated in the study conclusions:
“From a performance and results perspective, the free bar and the Jones / MaxRack options are superior to a Smith machine in learning, performing and testing with the major free bar exercises used in modern training.”
Entire study can be found here.
Concern for the injuries caused by a Smith Machine can also be readily found. The strict motion that is created by the Smith forces the body into movement defined by the machine, not the body. This is not ideal for many traditional exercises, including a squat. A proper squat requires great mobility in various joints, and the Smith machine does not allow for this. This can often result in poor form and increased risk of injury. Many shoulder and back pain and complications can be linked to forced improper form with use of a Smith Machine. The Jones Machine allows the body to move in its natural trajectory while performing regular strength movements.
What Next?
The Jones design allows you to train multiple muscle groups in a safe and effective way, with just one piece of equipment! Are you ready to learn more on how to use the Jones Machine? Check out our post on 7 Body Sculpting Moves on the Jones to get some ideas that may work for you!
The goal of the Jones Machine was to create the safest way to lift for the solo lifter, and we feel we accomplished this. Check out the Jones online or at a dealer near you to learn more.