Looking for an alternative to free weights? Meet the Smith Machine. The Smith Machine is a weightlifting rack with a bar that is fixed within steel rails, allowing only vertical or near-vertical movement. It can be used for a variety of upper body weightlifting exercises including presses, squats, lifts and rows. The Smith Machine can also be used to accommodate lower body exercises such as the donkey kick. Nearly every free weight exercise can be duplicated in the Smith Machine. Why a Smith Machine? For inexperienced lifters, Smith Machines offer a safer and more controlled means of training the same muscles as free weights. For all lifters, the counterbalanced bar and the guide rails remove the potential of dangerous swaying when lifting heavy weights along with preventing stronger muscles from overpowering the weaker ones as the body stabilizes. In addition, for increased safety, many numerous catch points line the front and rear of the machine for the bar to stop at or rest on. Releasing the bar is as simple as rolling the wrists forward or back. The unit also includes safety stops as an additional built-in safety feature. These are adjustable stops which can be set by the user to limit the lowest travel height of the bar, should it be unexpectedly released. These safety features are why traditional spotters aren't typically needed with Smith Machine use. The solid steel guide rods are angled at 7?, providing users with a more natural movement as the bar smoothly travels on 1" linear ball bearings. Six weight horns are standard, providing a handy waiting place for weights and plates that are intended to be used. Please note this is the Smith Machine only. Weight plates, dumbbells and all other accessories are available separately. While assembly is required, no power tools are needed to put this unit together. The weight bar is counterbalanced to just 13 lbs. Frame is constructed of attractive 2" x 4" flat oval tubing. The convenient footprint of 50" x 78" means the Smith Machine can fit nearly anywhere. Easy to clean needing just a warm, damp cloth and some mild soap.