Hammer Strength vs free weights

[Dial_tone]

How do the weights people use on Hammer Strength pressing machines compare to what they use on free weights?

 

[InTraining]

I use ridiculously higher weights on HS than free weights...like maybe 2x-2.5x higher?more sometimes? The leverage of HS is pretty crazy

 

[WalkingBeast]

My training partner benches 410 but couldnt even move 5 45's a side on the Hammer Wide Chest machine. Im always able to get a couple of reps with it, even after a full chest workout. Its MUCH easier IMO due to the leverage. Its stricter in a sense, since you cant throw your entire body into it, like some people do with bench. Maybe thats why my training partner struggles with it. But the leverage makes it much easier for me.

 

[TRUEsoldier]

Gravity has less of an affect on the weight along with leverage. I always feel that you can get more weight up on a machine, but I think they are the perfect thing for beginners, to learn the form, and get use the specific muscle tensing up. I only use the machines when the free weight version is being used or not available at all. But at times I use them for burn out sets cuz it will keep my form strict throught the process when I am spent most and wantin to cheat!

 

[big4life]

I used HS machines when I was rehabbing my shoulder because of the extra stability that they provide. Everyone is right about the leverage being too good. I still use the wide chest at the end of my chest workout just to finish it off.

 

[xevius]

I love the hammer strength bench and yes you can add more weight for sure.

 

[TheOak84]

i used hammer strenght chest press like, twice. one time it was when some guys were talking shit about my size they were doin like 3 plates for reps, i put on 5 plates and did one rep... which meant shit to me, but they acted like i was king after that. thinking i was like, a freak, lol. if it were only on the flat bench

 

[d3track]

i like them as a second big movment, after a free weight movement

but it can be crazy the amount of weight you can pile on those things

 

[Tweakle]

There's no comparision, I can push 7 plates a side for a double on the HS wide chest and I'm not even a 405 bencher. 5 plates a side for reps with the row.. it's ridiculous.

They designed those machines so the health-club set would feel better about themselves, they're good but the leverage is stupid and not necessary. Southern Xercise make way better machines but they never caught on in a big way because the weights you have to use are an ego killer & the 180 club wouldn't use them.

 

[jloflexin405]

It pivots on an axis so it is naurally gonna reduce the work/wieght load. Not to say it is less effective, you may just need to load a little more on.

 

[WalkingBeast]

There's no comparision, I can push 7 plates a side for a double on the HS wide chest and I'm not even a 405 bencher. 5 plates a side for reps with the row.. it's ridiculous.

They designed those machines so the health-club set would feel better about themselves, they're good but the leverage is stupid and not necessary. Southern Xercise make way better machines but they never caught on in a big way because the weights you have to use are an ego killer & the 180 club wouldn't use them.

Nice! The ones Ive used seem to have a 10 plate capacity. Maybe thinner plates would help? Ive never been able to fit more then 5 a side. Keep KILLING that shit!!

 

[Tweakle]

yup, very thin plates in the gym I go to with the hammer machines.

Standard chunky gym 45's you could probably only fit 5 on max

doesn't matter, I'm not going to be using machines again until I'm benching 405

 

[karde]

My new gym doesn't have HS machines, but I liked to finish my workouts with a couple of sets on them.

 

[wnt2bBeast]

There's no comparision, I can push 7 plates a side for a double on the HS wide chest and I'm not even a 405 bencher. 5 plates a side for reps with the row.. it's ridiculous.

They designed those machines so the health-club set would feel better about themselves, they're good but the leverage is stupid and not necessary. Southern Xercise make way better machines but they never caught on in a big way because the weights you have to use are an ego killer & the 180 club wouldn't use them.

I agree the leverage is out of control..so if they were smarter they would have built them with a bigger capacity..your lucky to have the thin plates..I load the hack machine to the tilts every week AFTER i squat and still get my 6-8 reps..im hoping my gym will buy 100 lb plates..lol

 

[Allon]

Gravity has less of an affect on the weight along with leverage. I always feel that you can get more weight up on a machine, but I think they are the perfect thing for beginners, to learn the form, and get use the specific muscle tensing up. I only use the machines when the free weight version is being used or not available at all. But at times I use them for burn out sets cuz it will keep my form strict throught the process when I am spent most and wantin to cheat!

Great idea!

 

[powerforward]

i just look at them as a different exercise. i don't compare the weight i do on hs to what i do on free weight, but i like using hs for rest pause sets/drop sets etc.

its just different.