Q: Okay, here’s my question: Squat cage or smith machine? Since they can basically be used for the same exercises, what are the pros and cons of each. I was trying to equip a good home gym and looking to get a squat cage, but realized it opened a whole big debate among people in the gym.

A: It’s a great question and one I’ve never pondered because I’ve always worked out in a gym. I know that I use both, but if I had to choose… I think that the Smith machine is more versatile since you can do chest and legs there. You can do them in a squat cage, but you may as well not have a cage. Having both would be my pick, but if you didn’t have room for both, I’d say Smith is more versatile. Also, you can do traditional squats that position you perfectly and also do reverse lunges and other things. Some would tell you that the Smith is too static - that you can only go up and down. And while as an experienced lifter, I do agree that some movement - provided you know how to cheat and jockey for position for your own benefit - is beneficial. However, for the most part, why do you need to do anything but move weight up and down. Balance, while an advantage, is also a disadvantage in a Smith machine. You’re so balanced - because the machine is doing it for you - that you don’t develop those important proprioceptors that run from the back of the neck to the heels. That is what creates muscle balance. Without work on those, you can actually develop more inconsistencies in physique. But in fairness, they are small. I still say the Smith is the best home apparatus. But keep going to the gym, too.

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