The Best Smith Machines of 2025, Reviewed by CPTs

Long debated as a worthy competitor to the best squat racks and power racks, Smith machines are sort of a “love or hate” piece of fitness equipment. While some may hold disdain for the tracked barbell pathway and multiple racking positions, this signature silhouette does hold value, especially for beginner or solo lifters looking to reach their fitness goals without access to a training partner and willing spotter. 

After all, that safe, progressive overload is key to helping you reach your goals in the gym. “Progressive overload involves steadily boosting the weight, reps, or training frequency to keep challenging your muscles,” explains Dr. Christopher Mohr, PhD, RD. “Begin with small, manageable increases to reduce the risk of injury while promoting strength gains.” The best Smith machines for your home gym combine these added safety traits with helpful add-ons and accessories to ensure you get the most out of your daily strength training workouts.

Like any large piece of fitness gear, finding the best Smith machine for your personal space can take some doing. Do you want a foundational track solely for barbell training, or are you interested in functional trainers combining multiple modalities in one silhouette? To provide some assistance, we’ve tested over 20 different rigs and racks and consulted with our in-house team of experts to truly understand what makes a Smith machine the best of the best. Each Smith machine we tested was subject to analysis and rating in the following categories:

• Quality: We rated each Smith machine on the presence or absence of high-quality materials (like 11-gauge steel or powder coated finishes). We also took into account weight capacity, awarding higher ratings to heftier weight capacities.
• Safety Features: While Smith machines often feel inherently safer than track-free squat racks, we still took a close look at the available J-hooks to ensure they were adequately spaced and useful if you need to bail out of a lift.
• Versatility: We analyzed whether each Smith machine had other options for attachments and set-up, or if it was a one-stop-shop for a certain few movements. Since large home gym equipment like the Smith machine is often a big investment (in both budget and space), we rated more versatile machines higher on our scale.
• Value: Again, Smith machines are usually not cheap. We holistically examined the cost of the machine and any required accessories in light of the machine’s overall quality, versatility, and the experience it provided.

Over the years, BarBend testers, editors, and experts have helped connect over 850,000 athletes with the best strength equipment for every type of home gym. Here, you’ll find our carefully curated guide to the best Smith machines available today.

The 5 Best Smith Machines of 2025

• Best Smith Machine Overall: Force USA G10 Pro
• Best Budget Smith Machine: Titan Fitness Smith Machine
• Best Smith Machine for Small Spaces: RitFit PSR05 2.0 Multifunctional Smith Machine With Lat-Pulldown System
• Best All-in-One Smith Machine: Major Fitness All-in-One Home Gym Smith Machine SML07
• Best Smith Machine on Amazon: Commercial Home Gym

Best Smith Machine Overall: Force USA G10 Pro

Pros

One singular silhouette for 12 strength machine modalities

Base bundle comes with 17 included attachments

Lifetime structural warranty

Cons

Heavy profile at roughly 685 pounds, shipped

Extensive assembly process

Will require additional height clearance for full operation

When the brand itself is behind some of the best functional trainers on the market, it’s no surprise that a Force USA profile tops our Smith machine rankings. The G10 Pro silhouette combines up to 12 different strength training modalities in one, and the 40.85-square-foot footprint can be more accommodating for home gym needs.

We’ve yet to personally test the G10 Pro, but we have tested other Force USA products such as the Force USA X20 Pro — a larger, more accessories-riddled silhouette that may be overkill for those solely focused on purchasing a Smith machine. That said, we do rate the G10 Pro’s versatility at 5 out of 5 given it comes with virtually everything you need to craft a well-rounded strength training regimen.

One of the key features of this impressive Smith machine rig is its adjustable cable ratio system that can be toggled between 2:1 and 4:1. “This means that if you have 100 pounds loaded on the cable system, a 2:1 ratio will feel like 50 pounds, and a 4:1 ratio feels like 25 pounds,” notes our tester, a certified personal trainer who’s used similar tech on other Force USA machines.

In terms of the Smith machine, we appreciate the 772-pound weight capacity of the on-track barbell that should be plenty durable for most home gym enthusiasts. This falls in-line with our overall durability score of 4.5 out of 5. “This is a nice, all-in-one option that should last a lifetime,” adds Amanda Capritto, certified personal trainer and BarBend expert reviewer.

The Force USA G10 Pro is listed at nearly $3,000 for the base bundle that includes 17 different attachments.  For a more affordable option, we like the Titan Fitness Smith Machine. 

We score the value at 3.5 out of 5, though, given the labor-intensive assembly process that will ultimately eat up a full day of your time. “The site says 5 hours for full setup, but I’d recommend saving a full day,” notes our tester. “After all, with so many moving parts, you want to ensure everything’s in its proper position before hopping into a training session.” You can add on professional assembly, but at an extra $800, that’s not especially budget-friendly. For the DIY crowd, the high-touch assembly process may be less accessible for some athletes, so consider having another person or two on hand to help with the moving and heavy lifting.

Good for: Home gym users seeking a full-service functional trainer with a built-in Smith machine for guided, stable lifts.

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Best Budget Smith Machine: Titan Fitness Smith Machine

Pros

Cheaper profile can still support a variety of exercises

Eight J-hook positions for safe, convenient weight racking

Four built-in weight horns for plate storage

Cons

No attachment points for add-ons and training accessories

Limited 1-year warranty coverage

No center knurling across Smith barbell

While it can be easy to believe that Smith machines solely belong in commercial gyms due to a heightened price tag, there are some silhouettes that come in below the average of roughly $1,975. The Titan Fitness Smith Machine is one of our favorite budget-friendly profiles due to its impressive weight capacity and no-frills design, meaning you’re not paying extra for unnecessary bells and whistles.

Like other examples of the best budget home gym equipment, this Smith machine is built with practicality in mind. “I appreciate the eight J-hook stops along the track, although I’d like to see additional catches closer to the floor for added range of motion during squats and deadlifts,” notes our tester, a certified personal trainer. “Regardless, the heavy-duty frame never shook or rattled during training, and I do think this is one of the better built Smith machines at this price point.” As such, we rate both the durability and ergonomics at 4 out of 5.

At less than $1,700, this is one of the more affordable Smith machines we’ve seen in the category, especially given the 600-pound weight capacity and built-in weight plate storage horns along the back of the framing. However, we rate the value at 4 out of 5 since there is no opportunity to add to the silhouette with additional training tools or modalities. “It would be nice to have room for accessories, especially since this Smith machine doesn’t even have a built-in pull-up bar for extra training potential,” adds our tester. Therefore, we wouldn’t recommend this to anyone who wants an all-in-one training option. For athletes wanting extra versatility through add-on fitness equipment, we recommend perusing Force USA or Major Fitness’ lineup of cable machines and all-in-one trainers.

Lastly, we score the warranty at 2 out of 5. Titan Fitness only covers this Smith machine for 1 year from the time of purchase, and we typically recommend opting for multi-year support when it comes to strength training equipment. That said, though, the brand does offer extended coverage through Mulberry for an additional fee.

Good for: Beginners seeking a full-body workout who also appreciate the extra security of safety catches

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Best Smith Machine for Small Spaces: RitFit PSR05 2.0 Multifunctional Smith Machine With Lat-Pulldown System

Pros

Takes up just 22.76 square feet of space

Low row and lat pulldown attachments included

Features plate storage horns for added convenience

Cons

Limit weight capacity across Smith barbell

No potential for cable crossovers or dual-handle movements

Steel framing is of lesser quality than other Smith machines tested

Worried your home gym setup can’t accommodate a bulky Smith machine? As an example of one of the best compact exercise equipment silhouettes, this RitFit profile takes up just 22.76 square feet of space. For reference, that’s less of a footprint than your standard three-seat sofa (23.75 square feet). (1)

In addition to its space-saving dimensions, we also rate the value of this PSR05 2.0 Smith machine at 4.5 out of 5. “I like that the base bundle includes a lat pulldown as well as a low row station, which can be helpful when trying to program a range of exercises along your fitness journey,” notes our expert tester. As such, we also dub this home gym machine as one of the best Smith machines for beginners.

However, we score this RitFit offering at 3 out of 5 for available accessories since there aren’t any attachment points for add-ons like a dip station, spotter arms, or extra plate holders. If you want your accessories to come included in your purchase, consider the Amazon Commercial Home Gym.

In testing, we found this RitFit PSR05 2.0 to be durable enough for general weight training needs. “I could see where the 440-pound Smith bar capacity may be low for some, but for beginner athletes just needing a station for weightlifting, I feel it will suffice,” our tester adds. We score the durability at 4 out of 5, though, given this Smith machine’s use of 14-gauge steel across the framing. A higher gauge indicates a weaker steel, and we typically prefer to see weight-bearing rigs like Smith machines, squat racks, and power racks constructed from 10-, 11-, or 12-gauge materials for extra support and integrity. (2)

The RitFit PSR05 2.0 weighs in at 140 pounds, so moving this machine into place can be less of a chore — perfect for maneuvering in tight quarters. Given the height and depth of this profile, though, we strongly suggest employing a few helping hands if you ever need to transport this rig from one corner of your home gym to the next.

Good for: Those with limited space looking for a compact Smith machine

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Best All-in-One Smith Machine: Major Fitness All-in-One Home Gym Smith Machine SML07

Pros

Can support Smith machine and freeweight training

Dual cable pulley systems for added upper body workouts

Bundle packages available including a weight bench and bumper plate sets

Cons

Smith bar weight capacity of just 265 pounds

Large footprint may not fit in all home training areas

Limited 1-year warranty

Looking for a Swiss Army Knife of a Smith machine? The SML07 is one of the most versatile rigs on the market thanks to its impressive base bundle which includes a Smith bar, dual cable pulley systems, J-hooks, dip bars, safety spotter arms, and multiple handle attachments. Plus, we like that Major Fitness keeps adding onto your home gym simplified with bundled packages including a weight bench and bumper plate sets directly on the retail page.

We haven’t tested this particular rig, but we do have experience with other Major Fitness silhouettes such as the Raptor F22 — one of the best power racks we’ve trialed in recent memory. We love the available attachments and foundational modalities built into these profiles, rating the available versatility at 4.5 out of 5. “There are so many fun attachments that let you do just about whatever exercise you want,” our expert reviewer points out.

Value also earns a 4.5 out of 5 for this SML07 silhouette given the range of exercises you can perform with just the rack alone (and a handful of the best weight plates for added resistance). You can also adjust as you please across the 13 cable pulley holes, 12 upright holes, and eight Smith machine holes to find that ideal setup relative to your body and dimensions.

In terms of durability, we do rate the SML07 at a conservative 3.75 out of 5. The framing is constructed from 14-gauge steel, a thinner material than other racks we’ve trialed, and the Smith bar weight capacity is somewhat lackluster at just 265 pounds. For comparison, our best Smith machine overall pick, the Force USA G10 Pro, features 11-gauge steel and a Smith bar weight capacity of 772 pounds. 

Additionally, the safety spotter arms are rated with a 500-pound static capacity, which means you won’t necessarily want them to rescue you from a 500-pound dynamic lift (like failing a squat).

That said, though, the capabilities of this all-in-one rig are tough to ignore. “I’d be excited to see how robust of a full-body workout I could program with just this profile, alone,” states our one product tester, a certified nutrition coach.

Good for: Weightlifters looking for the versatility of both a Smith machine and traditional free weights in one setup.

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Best Smith Machine on Amazon: Commercial Home Gym

Pros

Amazon availability can result in faster shipping

176-pound weight stack across cable pulley system

Spotter arms and J-hooks support freeweight training

Cons

Large footprint

1:1 cable pulley ratio may be too much for some

More expensive than other options in this guide

Fitness enthusiasts should be paying attention to the A-to-Z retailer for equipment needs — we’ve curated multiple round-ups like the best treadmills on Amazon that feature picks rivaling offerings from DTC sites. In the Smith machine category, this Commercial Home Gym is one of our favorites from the third-party retailer based on its substantial weight rating across the rack and Smith bar as well as its included weight stack that eliminates the need for extra bumper plates.

We’ve yet to personally test this Commercial Home Gym offering but can compare it to similar profiles in our home gym testing center. In terms of versatility, we rate this rig at 4 out of 5 given the range of exercises that can be accomplished with the base package alone. Not only can you use the Smith bar and barbell-supporting J-hooks for bench presses, squats, and other modalities, but the included 1:1 cable system can be excellent for adding accessory lifts to your regimen. “I appreciate that so many attachments are already included with your purchase—it feels more cost-effective than adding on endless accessories,” says our tester, a certified personal trainer. 

That said, though, the 1:1 pulley ratio may be too intense for some athletes. This 1:1 ratio indicates that the weight you select across the stack is the actual felt weight across your chosen handle. Some may prefer a lighter, more approachable ratio like 2:1 or 4:1 featured on such machines as the Force USA G10 Pro.

Durability-wise, this Commercial Home Gym earns a 4 out of 5 rating. The 990-pound rack weight capacity is comparable to some squat racks and power racks, and the alloy steel construction should be sturdy enough for most needs. Of course, though, we do dock this pick for limited warranty coverage, which needs to be handled via Amazon for an additional cost.

Speaking of the price tag, we score this at a conservative 3.5 out of 5 for value. Yes, the Amazon availability does open up doors to more convenient shipping rates through your Prime membership. However, “I’d be more inclined to opt for a different, more affordable selection even if I needed to wait a few extra days for shipping,” adds our one expert tester, a certified sports nutrition coach. 

Good for: Athletes wanting a versatile, heavy-duty Smith machine —especially those who value fast shipping and don’t mind a more intense 1:1 pulley ratio

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How We Tested and Chose the Best Smith Machines

A Smith machine is usually quite an investment, and because of that, we took great care in choosing the picks that made it onto this list. Some of the most important factors we considered were build quality, attachments, weight capacity, and safety features. We also took price into consideration, but Smith machines are generally not cheap, with even the most budget-conscious ones creeping into the thousand-dollar range. Using our BarBend equipment testing methodology, we ranked those categories into scores of 1 (uh oh) to 5 (oh yeah). Here’s what we gave special consideration to. 

• Available Attachments: Smith machines are versatile pieces of equipment on their own, but many companies go beyond that and turn them into the base for an entire home gym solution. We made sure to include foundational picks that only offer Smith machine capabilities as well as those compatible with a variety of add-ons such as leg developers, dip stations, plate storage, landmines, and more.
• Build Quality: Quality is a big factor when it comes to any of the best home gym essentials, but more so when it comes to a piece that you’re counting on to save you — if you need it. We made sure to focus on durable, high-quality profiles with respectable weight capacities that wouldn’t break and buckle after just a few uses. We also prioritized Smith machines offering some warranty packages, as we understand that breaks and accidents can occur as you’re chasing down your fitness goals.
• Weight Capacity: Weight capacity and safety go hand-in-hand when it comes to squat racks and Smith machines. If you’re loading the machine with more than it’s rated for, that is inherently unsafe, which is why we try to point out weight capacity when discussing our picks.
• Safety Features: Safety is a major reason folks buy Smith machines in the first place. If you’re self-spotting and get to a point where they might fail a rep, instead of having to bail on a bar or drop it on yourself, just turn your wrists over and hook the safeties that come attached to the bar onto the rack. Most Smith machines’ safety spotter systems are made similarly with hooks to catch the bar; some even feature a counterweight to further help with your lifts.

Benefits of the Best Smith Machines

According to Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer and our expert contributor, “Functional trainers are like an all-in-one gym playground. Even with the simplest models, AKA cable machines or standalone Smith machines, you can do most every exercise you need in order to build muscle and increase strength. But functional trainers these days are more than just cable machines. You can add any attachment you can dream up to a functional trainer to create your all-in-one home gym machine.” Below are a few additional perks we’ve come to associate with the best Smith machines available today.

• Cost-Effective: Especially when they include multiple features beyond just a Smith machine, these machines give you a lot of bang for your buck. After the initial investment, you’ll find yourself with a wide variety of training opportunities for the price of one.
• Space-Saving: Even though the footprint of all-in-one Smith machines can get pretty big, it’s a lot smaller than having a separate set-up for each type of training equipment you’ve got. By combining a lot into a little, you’ll save a bunch of space.
• Added Safety: While proper form and lifting within our capabilities can always be a preferred safety precaution, Smith machines give you a greater swath of J-hooks to rack your loaded barbell before situations get hairy. This can be especially helpful for individual athletes lifting without a partner/spotter.
• Versatile: Whether you’re a beginner or advanced athlete, you’ll be able to take advantage of the versatility of these machines. Some Smith machines allow you to snap on power rack attachments, including pull-up and landmine attachments to J-hooks that allow you to treat them like a squat rack.
• Muscle Group Targeting: Given the tracked nature of the barbell plane, Smith machines can take some strain off key stabilizer muscles utilized in more traditional movements like the back squat or bench press. As such, this can allow you to focus your training on specific muscle groups without engaging other areas that may take focus from your intended training protocol. To support this training choice, a 2015 study found that both single-joint and multi-joint exercises led to significant increases in elbow flexor strength and upper-body muscle thickness in untrained young men over 10 weeks. (3)
• Fixed Bar Path: Although many prefer the free bar path you get in squat racks and power racks, a fixed bar path can help you feel more secure, support your form during learning or rehab phases, and help you train to failure by yourself more safely with quick and easy safety catches.

What Is a Smith Machine?

In general, a Smith machine is a squat rack with sliding rails that keep the barbell in a singular plane of motion. This lack of maneuverability can be helpful for beginner athletes who may not have sufficient stabilizer muscles to control some of the barbell through a full range of motion. 

Another key component of Smith machines is the range of J-hook slots that allow for multiple racking positions. These can be crucial for safety reasons, giving individual athletes the ability to safely rest the weight within the structure without the need for an additional spotter or an understanding of how to safely miss lifts.

Types of Smith Machines

When searching for a Smith machine, there are multiple styles to consider, similar to the best barbells — what looks similar isn’t always identical, right? The different types of Smith machines come down to the plane of motion. Vertical Smith machines feature a sliding rail system that moves the barbell up and down at a 90-degree angle. Angled Smith machines, as the name suggests, tilts that plane of motion slightly to better mimic the natural motion of your body weight through a given lift. Lastly, 3D Smith machines feature a sliding horizontal rail in addition to the vertical rail, allowing athletes to walk out the loaded barbell to a comfortable lifting position, like you would a squat or barbell row.

Smith Machine Vs. Free Weights

Smith machine training differs from free weights in that the weight is controlled through a plane of motion partially through the machine itself. With free weights,the athlete is in complete control of stabilizing their dumbbells or barbell.

Training with free weights does place emphasis on your lifting abilities and engages more stabilizer muscles, which may be less safe for those just getting started with resistance training. That said, though, training with freeweights can be a good way to improve functional fitness as you learn to manage different stressors through a given session. In any case, a 2023 study found that, when comparing the results from using free weights versus machine training, there was no statistically significant difference between either training method. (4) So while the Smith Machine has certain advantages over free weights, your training results shouldn’t be too affected.

Smith Machine Vs. Power Rack 

Smith machines and power racks can be similar in terms of build and included accessories, but like freeweights, the main difference lies in the stability factor — machine versus athlete. If you want to perform a variety of compound movements and feel confident in your lifting capabilities, a power rack may be a better investment. If you’re adamant about in-training safety or want to focus on specific muscle groups without engaging additional areas, a Smith machine can be ideal. In the end, though, both apparatuses can be utilized within your training regimen — there is no right or wrong answer.

What to Consider Before Buying a Smith Machine

A Smith machine isn’t a casual purchase. They’re large, heavy, and require a lot of steps for assembly. These are some of the things we think you should ponder before you splash the cash.

Weight Capacity

The weight capacity you need in a Smith machine depends on a few things. First, how heavy do you plan on lifting while using the Smith bar specifically? Most Smith bars we tested have a weight capacity ranging from 200 to 700 pounds or more. Second, if your Smith machine is part of a functional trainer, you’ll need to analyze that weight capacity as well. We suggest a weight capacity of at least 900 pounds for the overall unit, and, if included, a chin-up bar with a weight capacity of at least 300 pounds.

Your Budget

Smith machines will typically set you back a minimum of $1,000, but you can very easily end up spending five times that amount. For most people, this is going to be one of the deciding factors in which option they pick, because it is such a large chunk of change. For that kind of money, you could get a barbell, plates, and maybe even more. So make sure you know what you’re buying and that you’re committed to the purchase. 

Versatility

Some Smith machines are pretty basic and offer simply the bar, track, and rack, while others come with all kinds of bells and whistles attached. Several on this list have pulleys, attachments for dip bars, half-power racks, and more.

Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer and BarBend‘s expert reviewer, is a big fan of Smith machines and other home gym equipment that has options for customization. “There are so many options to suit so many different needs and budgets, and I think that exemplifies what’s so great about having a home gym: It’s yours, and you get to choose what you want in it so that it is affordable for you and leads you to your goals.”

Footprint

One of the main downsides to a Smith machine is the size and weight. You need a decently-sized area to house one, similar to trying to fit one of the best treadmills into a cramped area. Though there are larger and smaller Smith machines available, there is a point where it’s just not feasible. Measure out your available area and see which machines can work and which can’t. Be sure to factor in the barbell width and some additional breathing room, so you don’t feel hindered while getting your pump on. 

Durability and Build Quality

With such a large upfront investment, you’re going to want to make sure the Smith machine you buy is durable. All of the models on this list are fabricated using steel, so unless you start searching elsewhere for something extra cheap, you can rest assured that the picks on this list will have great longevity. Remember, lower gauge numbers mean thicker, stronger steel, so for better durability and support, we awarded higher ratings to Smith machines made from 10- to 12-gauge steel.

We always recommend checking to see if other customers have noted any common problems. Any reputable company will also provide some kind of warranty on their product so it’s a good idea to check for that too.

Add-On Accessories

True, you may want your Smith machine to only be a Smith machine. If that’s you, you may not care about (or invest in) multiple attachments or accessories. But you may want your Smith machine to be extra versatile with enough functionality for dozens of different exercises. In that case, you’ll want to prioritize Smith machines that either have attachments and accessories included with purchase, or you’ll look for a “build your own” package where you can select the add-ons most relevant to your training goals. Just remember, these added items come at an extra cost, so factor that into your overall budget. 

Ease of Assembly

For some people, buying anything that requires assembly is part of the fun. For others, it is one of the most exquisite forms of torture — or something that’s simply not possible due to a lack of power tools or having different abilities. Be aware that all of these machines need some form of assembling, but some are more involved than others. The simpler the machine, the less you’re going to have to wrap your head around. 

Warranties

With an expensive piece of equipment, it’s always nice to have a warranty as a safeguard in case it does break early on. As with all products, warranties are available in varying lengths and coverages. Find one that you are comfortable with and get to training.

Design

None of these machines will have you gazing for hours at their unfathomable beauty. Several, however, have put some thought into innovations that add extra functionality, save you space, or generally make using them a bit easier. Where possible, look for a machine that has done one or more of these things rather than just sticking to the bare minimum.

How Much Do Smith Machines Cost?

Like any piece of strength training equipment (even down to the best gym accessories), Smith machines can vary in price from one silhouette to the next. On average, we recommend planning to spend roughly $1,975 on a high-quality profile for at-home use, with additional costs related to your desired accessories and potential add-ons. Below, we’ve crafted a quick-and-handy guide to the price points of each Smith machine featured in this round-up.

Best Smith Machine Overall	Force USA G10 Pro	$2,999
Best Budget Smith Machine	Titan Fitness Smith Machine	$1,699.99
Best Smith Machine for Small Spaces	RitFit PSR05 2.0 Multifunctional Smith Machine With Lat-Pulldown System	$539.99
Best All-in-One Smith Machine	Major Fitness All-in-One Home Gym Smith Machine SML07	$1,399.99
Best Smith Machine on Amazon	Commercial Home Gym	$3,249

Smith Machine FAQs

References

1. Jaramillo, C. (2022, August 11). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes – seatup, LLC. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/
2. Knows, M. M. (2024, March 5). Sheet Metal Gauge Chart. Metal Supermarkets. https://www.metalsupermarkets.com/sheet-metal-gauge-chart/
3. Gentil, P., Soares, S., & Bottaro, M. (2015). Single vs. Multi-Joint Resistance Exercises: Effects on Muscle Strength and Hypertrophy. Asian journal of sports medicine, 6(2), e24057. https://doi.org/10.5812/asjsm.24057
4. Haugen, M. E., Vårvik, F. T., Larsen, S., Haugen, A. S., van den Tillaar, R., & Bjørnsen, T. (2023). Effect of free-weight vs. machine-based strength training on maximal strength, hypertrophy and jump performance – a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC sports science, medicine & rehabilitation, 15(1), 103. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-023-00713-4