all smith machine chest workout

[camshaft]

i work out alone usually, and i only make progress on my chest if i continually go really heavy. ive taken to warming up with some moderate dumbell work, then going heavy on smith benches. how much am i hurting myself by doing this? it feels like i get a better pump from the smith, when im done with a heavy set (4-5 reps) my arms are shaking, which they dont even when i do a heavy barbell set with a spotter. any thoughts? thanks

 

[H_T_]

most people here are anti-smith machine, as am i, i think you'd be better off by using a power rack.

 

[InTraining]

I don't think the smith is that bad for doing declines\inclines but that is probably because I did DC training and used it quite a bit..I still use it for inclines.

With the flat bench I don't like the straight line groove it places the bar in, but if you feel it working then I don't see a reason to change.

 

[psychedout]

Just ask some random joe to spot you on your heavy sets. I do it all the time, people don't mind.

 

[mad_monkey59]

I really don't like the smith, its okay for beginners moving up from machines, but apart from that leave it for the kids and the PTs bro...

 

[Tweakle]

most of the time people give shitty spots, and if you don't trust them (which you shouldn't) then imo the smith is perfect. I use it for seated overhead and incline pressing because of my shoulder problem.. it's fine imo. For flat I wouldn't use it either

 

[camshaft]

thanks for the advice bros

 

[WalkingBeast]

I agree. I like it for incline presses. If you cant get a spot it could be worth a try. For flat I dont like the forced line of movement.

 

[rnch]

i have problems with my left shoulder......with the smith machine i can get the one "sweet spot" that doesn't make me hurt for days after inclines/declines.

my gym is usally damn near empty the off hours i am there......the few guys that are there have headphones clamped over their ears and are deep into their zone of concentration and don't look like they want to be disturbed for a spot.