Smith Machine Exercises & Buyer's Guide: Which One Is Right for Your Gym?

The Smith machine is one of the most versatile pieces of strength equipment you can add to a home gym or commercial space. With a fixed barbell track, built-in safety catches, and the ability to train heavy without a spotter, it opens up a full range of compound and isolation movements for lifters at every level.

At Aussie Fitness Equipment, we carry two standout Smith machines: the GymKing Commercial Smith Machine and the Commando Elite Series Smith Machine. Here's everything you need to know — from which one suits your setup, to the best exercises you can do on either.

Smith Machine Benefits: Why It Belongs in Your Gym

  • Train heavy without a spotter: Adjustable safety catches let you push to failure confidently, solo.
  • Fixed bar path: Reduces stabiliser demand, allowing greater focus on target muscle groups.
  • Beginner-friendly: Controlled movement builds confidence and technique before transitioning to free weights.
  • Versatile: One machine covers squats, presses, rows, lunges, and more.
  • Space-efficient: A single footprint replaces multiple pieces of equipment.

The GymKing Commercial Smith Machine — $2,499 AUD

Built for serious lifters and commercial environments, the GymKing Commercial Smith Machine is engineered for longevity and performance. Key features include:

  • Heavy-duty mainframe construction
  • Super-smooth linear bearings for fluid bar movement
  • Precise angle Smith machine design
  • 6 x Olympic weight holders for easy plate access
  • Adjustable safety catches for confident solo lifting
  • Electrostatically applied powder-coated finish for durability

If you're after a pure, commercial-grade Smith machine that delivers a premium lifting experience, the GymKing is built to last in high-use environments.

The Commando Elite Series Smith Machine — $1,499 AUD

The Commando Elite is a light-commercial all-in-one strength station that combines a smooth linear bearing Smith machine with a full suite of additional training features — all in a single footprint:

  • Smooth linear bearing Smith machine with height-adjustable safety catchers
  • Half rack with 2 x J-hooks and 2 x spotter arms
  • Multi-grip chin-up bars for pull-up and chin-up variations
  • Dual-handle adjustable and removable dipping handles
  • Torsonator for rotational and landmine-style training
  • Provision for suspension trainer attachment
  • 4 x Olympic weight storage horns + 1 x Olympic bar holder and band pegs
  • Heavy-duty 50mm × 50mm steel frame | 180kg machine weight
  • Dimensions: 2200mm H × 2000mm W × 1650mm D

For home gym owners who want maximum training variety from a single station, the Commando Elite delivers exceptional value.

Smith Machine Exercises: Build a Complete Training Program

Both machines support a full-body training split. Here are the best exercises you can perform:

Lower Body

  • Smith Machine Squat: Place the bar across your upper back, set safety catches at the appropriate height, and squat to depth. The fixed bar path removes the need for a spotter and allows you to focus on quad drive and depth.
  • Smith Machine Bulgarian Split Squat: Rear foot elevated, front foot forward — a brutal unilateral leg exercise for quad and glute development.
  • Smith Machine Romanian Deadlift: Hinge at the hips, maintain a neutral spine, and load the hamstrings through a full range of motion.
  • Smith Machine Reverse Lunge: Step back into a lunge position for controlled single-leg loading with minimal balance demand.
  • Smith Machine Calf Raise: Place the bar across your traps, stand on a step or weight plate, and drive through the balls of your feet for full range calf development.

Upper Body — Push

  • Smith Machine Bench Press: Flat, incline, or decline — set the bar path to target upper, mid, or lower chest with complete safety at any weight.
  • Smith Machine Overhead Press: Seated or standing, press the bar overhead for shoulder and tricep development without needing a rack or spotter.
  • Smith Machine Incline Press: Pair with an adjustable FID bench to bias the upper chest and front deltoids.
  • Smith Machine Close-Grip Press: Narrow grip to shift emphasis onto the triceps — an effective mass builder for arm development.

Upper Body — Pull

  • Smith Machine Bent-Over Row: Hinge forward, grip the bar, and drive the elbows back to target the lats, rhomboids, and rear delts.
  • Smith Machine Upright Row: Pull the bar up along the body toward the chin, targeting the traps and lateral deltoids.
  • Smith Machine Shrug: Stand tall, load heavy, and drive the traps upward for upper back thickness.

Chin-Ups & Bodyweight (Commando Elite)

  • Chin-Ups / Pull-Ups: Use the multi-grip chin-up bar for lat width and bicep development.
  • Dips: Use the dipping handles for chest and tricep compound loading.
  • Landmine Press / Rotation (Torsonator): Rotational pressing movements for core, shoulder, and athletic performance training.

Which Smith Machine Should You Choose?

Choose the GymKing Commercial Smith Machine if:

  • You want a dedicated commercial-grade Smith machine built for heavy, frequent use
  • You already have a separate rack, chin-up station, and accessories
  • You're outfitting a commercial gym or PT studio that demands maximum durability

Choose the Commando Elite Series if:

  • You're building a home gym and want one station that does it all
  • You want the Smith machine combined with a half rack, chin-up bar, dipping station, and landmine in a single footprint
  • You want premium training variety at a more accessible price point

Find Your Smith Machine at Aussie Fitness Equipment

Both the GymKing Commercial Smith Machine and the Commando Elite Series are available now at Aussie Fitness Equipment. Browse the full range and build the gym you've always trained for.

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