Hey wlfdg, as I have mentioned before my gym doesn't have a dip bar, power rack, or bench which has slowed my efforts of gaining muscle. The owner (there was a big feud and the old owner left, new guy is in) is reluctant to buy the equipment because most people won't be able to use it because they're old people. They are going to get a smith machine however, should I settle with this, or move on? I can do squats and benches with a smith machine, but I wanted your input on them compared to squat rack and benches on their own. I know its not as good, but how much worse is it?

alright, im gonna have a last talk with him before I need to leave. However, I have made progress, and even my mom noticed how im lookin bigger now

atm I can't do 10 pull ups, so I have been using the pulldown machine to strengthen the lats, what machines do you think are worth using?

i can do 4 pull ups atm, people with good physiques that ive seen have used some machines, such as lat pulldowns, rows, bicep curls and leg press

ok thanks

I cancelled my membership, and well they are sad to see me go since I have been there so long and its really small gym, I work there often. But I told him why I had to go and he said there just isnt room for it, so I need to find a new club. probably 24 hr fitness, its crowded there but if I go at the right times it isn't too bad. Wish I had a spotter (bro has swim) so that I can squat and bench more safely

I cancelled my membership,

Good! It's about time you moved on!

Wish I had a spotter (bro has swim) so that I can squat and bench more safely

You don't need a spotter. Focus on fast concentric speed. When your concentric speed slows down halt your set, rest 60sec. and do another set. NO ONE NEEDS TO DO FORCED REPS OR TAKE SETS TO FAILURE!

arnold said to failure makes u grow?!

Arnold took a LOT of steroids and growth hormone!

arnold said to failure makes u grow?!

You don't need a spotter to go to failure. There are ZERO exercises anyone needs a spotter for.