Benching on a smith machine

[rnch]

I'm sure people will laugh at me for this, but...

When I started working out I benched on the smith all the time, but I eventully moved on to free weights.

If you honestly don't like the idea of benching free weights, go for the smith untill you feel comfortable knowing where your limits are. Once you're comfy, then move to dumbell or barbell bench....

my 2 cents, I'm sure many will disagree....

-Ingra,

if smith is good enough for you, dude, it's good enough for me!!

 

[Jabs]

Use dumbells, you don't need a spotter and you can go as heavy as you want. Much more affective than smith machine.

 

[louden_swain]

I say do whatever works for you.

If the smith machine can build your chest and provide enough resistance then I don't see a problem.

 

[jerkbox]

i'd use a hammer strength type of machine before a smith.....at least there isn't any gay ass counter weight.....I just can't stand that....

 

[he-man]

i'd use a hammer strength type of machine before a smith.....at least there isn't any gay ass counter weight.....I just can't stand that....

both types of equipment still keep you in a fixed plane of movement. i dont really see a difference - use what work for you

 

[JOKER47]

I say don't do it...you've got options! I don't like benching without a spotter either...I've witnessed a few guys get pinned at my gym!

Try setting the pins low enough to allow you enough range of motion on the squat rack...it works like a charm!

I third this option. I train at home and alone, and have been pinned a few times. Using this option makes it a lot easier to get out of and safer overall.


Joker

 

[Sergeant]

I use the smith for incline work sometimes so the smith isn't all that bad. As far as getting pinned, as long as you can keep it low on your chest theres no real pain just embarrasment. If others are in the gym they will come over and help you out. If not don't use collars and if you get pinned just tip the weight to one side. Been there done that.

 

[JollyRogers]

I have never used it before, I like to be in control.

 

[beefybull]

Since no one has covered this yet, I'll step in...

The reason that the Smith Bench Press is worse than a Free Weight Bench Press is the difference they have in muscle fiber recruitment. A Smith machine keeps the bar in a straight vertical line, taking the aspect of balancing the bar out of the lift. When benching on a normal BP, other muscles have to come into play and control the movement of the bar.

When you only do Smith Machine Bench, what happens to some is they get to where they can do a decent amount on the machine, then try to jump into doing free weight and find they cant do the same amount (exp: Bob benches 250 on SMBP, but can only do 225 with free weight).

Free weight Bench is better, but if you have a specific reason to be using the Smith machine, it can be somewhat beneficial.

 

[Nonerz]

I knew there was a good reason...just couldn't convey that as intelligently as BeefyBull!

I was warned that the Smith machine was evil...