Question about Hammer Strength

[solidj55]

I have never used any hammer strength equipment because my gym didnt have it but the gym I am switching to has it and just about everything else for that matter. I was wondering who likes it and who doesnt. I was thinking of alternating the bench press and and incline press they have into my chest day. Is it worth using or is it useless like a lot of other machines? I will be using it as my second exercise if I use it. I alternate my first exercise every week and this is what my presses for chest looks like over 6 weeks just so you can get an idea. On week 7 I start at with Incline Press again and go through the rotation again. I was thinking of alternating the Hammer Strength Bench and Incline every week in there as my next exercise after the ones I listed. What do you guys think???

Week
1- Incline Press
2- Dumbell Bench Press
3- Closegrip Incline Press
4- Bench Press
5- Dumbell Incline Press
6- Closegrip Bench Press

 

[b fold the truth]

Can't imagine replacing the bench press or the incline bench press with any machine...

B True

 

[bearrito]

i completely agree with b fold. there is no replacement for free weights, for size or strength.

 

[Doktor Bollix]

I don't use machines but I've heard that the Hammer Strength ones are the best. The company is owned by Arthur Jones', the founder of Nautilus' son, or so I'm told, and the designs are essentially new and improved Nautilus designs.

 

[louden_swain]

I think hammer strength is good equipment, but I only use them to warm up.

 

[gmanlax7]

i realy like hammer strenth stuff, especially the shoulder press and incline bench. It ain't free weights, but gives you a nice range of motion and makes you do all the work, better than nautilaus stuff with the stack IMO

 

[bishonen]

My gym has a ton of Hammer Strength equipment. Judging from their website and new equipment, everything we have is pretty old, and the only one I use - the seated calf raise - is squeaky as hell.

But, they seem to get a lot of mileage.

 

[b fold the truth]

Never forget that the Original Hammer Strength gyms and programs were based on using their machines as an auxillary to free weights. They combined the barbell, the dbell workouts with the machines...free weights first. As they realized that free weights didn't sell gym memberships because it was much harder work...their philosophy changed.

This comes directly from Dr. Ken's mouth...who has worked for them for YEARS.

B True

 

[louden_swain]

There is certainly nothing wrong with hammer strength equipment. Most college programs are starting to use them, as well as injured athletes trying to rehabilitate. The fact of the matter is everyone trains different and for a specific purpose.

 

[Greek Freak]

Hammer stuff is good, especially the back machines. Some of the stuff I put in later in my workouts because they have a forced plane they travel in, and you cant really put a ton of weight on some of them. I would definatly incorperate hammer strength before using most other machines. They dont compare to dumbells with most movements but they are still good to do sometimes.

 

[solidj55]

Bfold-I wasnt talking about replacing free weights for hammer strength, thats why I listed what my pressing rotation looked like, that will be my main exercise each week, I said I would use it as a second exercise or supplement or assistance or what ever you want to call it.

 

[chillin408]

My shoulders were doing too much work when I used hammer strength for flat bench...it would mess up my shoulder workouts. Normally, I use free weights for chest workouts and my shoulder workouts aren't affected.

 

[Malleus]

i like hammerstrength (particularly the ones working chest) a lot. i'm thinking about incorporating them into my workout for a second chest day during my upcoming cycle.

 

[skaman607]

why was solidj banned?

 

[gmanlax7]

good question but I doubt you will get an answer

 

[strider364]

I like the hammer machines a lot, I often incorperate them into my work out, by no means is it the same as a Dumbell or barbell, but a very good variation of the bench press movement.