Smith vs Reg

[automaticj5]

Ok -- Smith Machine vs Regular Bench....

Advantages and Disadvantages to both?

 

[needtogetarmy]

I really see no advantages to using a smith machine for benching.

 

[automaticj5]

Disadvantages?

 

[sopac]

I'd say a smith machine is safer....

 

[araiber]

Disadvantages: You are barely hitting any of the supporting muscles - Tris, Lats, Shoulders, your even limiting the power that your legs put into it. You also have a restricted motion. Normal bench, you would bring the bar to over your chest, and when you push it up, its ends up a bit higher than your chest.

Advantages: Having the whole gym look at your for using the smith machine for benching (Not necessarily a good thing in this case).

Smith machine for bench? Perhaps, JUST perhaps, if you have some injury. Otherwise I dont see a point in it at all.
If you cant lift heavy its because of the stabilizing muscles, not your chest. Work on those muscle groups and your bench will go up with it.

 

[PoweredUp]

Disadvantages: You are barely hitting any of the supporting muscles - Tris, Lats, Shoulders, your even limiting the power that your legs put into it. You also have a restricted motion. Normal bench, you would bring the bar to over your chest, and when you push it up, its ends up a bit higher than your chest.

Advantages: Having the whole gym look at your for using the smith machine for benching (Not necessarily a good thing in this case).

Smith machine for bench? Perhaps, JUST perhaps, if you have some injury. Otherwise I dont see a point in it at all.
If you cant lift heavy its because of the stabilizing muscles, not your chest. Work on those muscle groups and your bench will go up with it.

Please observe the following rules when using the Smith Machine:

1) Don't

 

[mustang_00]

i use smith machine if i don't have a spotter but there's not really a range of motion besides pushing straight up. That's probably why it seems like you can go heavier on it. work your chest without it and 2 days later do the same routine at almost half weight on the smith and you can feel the body parts that aren't working that should be on regular flat bench. I actually prefer DB's over both but my right wrist gives me problems.

 

[silver_shadow]

Please observe the following rules when using the Smith Machine:

1) Don't

lol!

 

[automaticj5]

Haha -- good enough -- the reason I asked is cause I dont always have a spotter... so I feel like I do less then I should for big gains if I dont have a spotter...

 

[al420]

If the spotter touches the bar the rep is a waste. Lighten the load and finish all your reps alone.

Smith Machine = Towel Rack