File: Smith_machine.jpg (1.63 MB, 2272x3909)

1.63 MB JPG

I am following the GZCLP routine but I find their Tier 2 exercises (3x10s) of the big 4 lifts very taxing. To the point I am way too exhausted to do accessory exercises. I am beginner, weak, low t(2.2 ng/mL) and insomniac. So someone advised me to replace the 3×10 exercises with less taxing alternatives. The basic programme looks like this.

Day 1: T1 Squat, T2 Bench, T3 Lat Pull-downs.

Day 2: T1 OHP, T2 RDL, T3 Kroc Rows.

Day 3: T1 Bench, T2 Squat, T3 Lat Pull-downs.

Day 4: T1 DL, T2 OHP, T3 Kroc Rows.

I replaced Deadlifts with RDLs on day 2 and it has been much better. I was able to a lot more accessory exercises. I was recommended to replace T2 Bench and OHP with Smith Machine chest press and Smith machine incline press respectively. I looked it up and this machine seems controversial. My understanding is that.

1) Smith machine doesn't work your stabiliser muscles
2) But it is better for hypertrophy.

I was listening to Lyle Mcdonald (who /fit/ claims has been right for the past 15 years) and he argues stabiliser muscle development is overhyped and you can only develop them "so far" and it shouldn't deter you from using machines.

So what do you guys think? Is it a good move to use the Smith machine in my case?