Tom W.
Total Posts: 102
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05-02-08 08:40 PM - Post#438145
Hi guys,
I seem to be having a problem with benching I do very good using dumbbells, but as soon as I try to increase my smith machine bench. The problem begins I am not sure of the weight of the bar so I just total up the plates used. I start out with 10reps@ 120#, 8@140, 6@160, 4@180 and finally 2@200#. Am I starting to high rep wise or should I just be a dumbbell bencher. The strange part is that I can do reps using my 100# dumbbells, but yet I struggle with the 200# on the smith. Any advise will be helpful as usual. That is why I love this site and my world of lifters. Here no question is dumb even for an old lifter like me.
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WillVT
Total Posts: 48
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05-02-08 08:49 PM - Post#438149
Sounds like your natural groove doesn't line up with what the Smith machine provides. You can try repositioning yourself on the bench, but your best bet may be to find a spotter and use the standard bench which won't restrict your natural movements.
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Dean3228
Total Posts: 1414
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05-02-08 08:56 PM - Post#438154
That sounds right to me (groove miss-match)... rep numbers look good, I'd actually start lighter than 120... I use a PL warm up routine that starts with the bar and 10 reps, add 40# then 5 reps, add again for 3 reps...repeat until you get to your working weight.
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cajinjohn
Total Posts: 12495
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05-02-08 09:35 PM - Post#438172
Unless you are doing Gironda type neck pressing I would ditch the Smith, and stick with the DB or use a reguler bar.
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Wicked Willie
Total Posts: 16864
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05-02-08 09:40 PM - Post#438175
Ditto to what Cajin said. There are very few circumstances where the Smith machine is superior to a barbell or dumbbells...the Gironda Neck Press is one of them.
For "regular" benching, the only thing positive that the Smith machine offers is a measure of extra safety, the rest of it is negative. Bench with dumbbells, letting your arms and hands find their "natural" groove. Your shoulders will last longer this way.
Wicked
"I'm in good shape for the shape I'm in."
"Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man comes to the Father, but by me." John 14:6 |
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IB138
Total Posts: 9321
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05-03-08 01:03 AM - Post#438203
Unless you are doing Gironda type neck pressing I would ditch the Smith, and stick with the DB or use a reguler bar.
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dhartnet
Total Posts: 1339
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05-03-08 09:45 AM - Post#438242
I quit doing barbell flat bench a month of so ago, I wish I gave it up a long time ago, my shoulders are once again happy (as happy as they are going to get anyways). Dumbbells seem fine, and light incline barbell bench also seem fine... Flat bench with barbell just tears them up. (Both shoulders have limited motion and scar tissue, bursitis, etc.).
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jej
Total Posts: 4679
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Chris McClinch
Total Posts: 8538
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05-03-08 11:01 AM - Post#438257
Or to hang your sweatshirt while squatting in a real rack. 
The more I eat and the heavier I train, the better my genetics get.
If you're not paraplegic and not squatting, please kick your own ass for me."
"Do you really think that the reason most guys don't have big arms is purely because of a lack of doing curls?" --Alwyn Cosgrove
"There is only one gram of carbs in STFD and no carbs at all in STFU." --Byron Chandler
"Use meaningful loads to achieve results." --Big Vic
http://www.stoneagefitnessconcepts.com |
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oi_joe
Total Posts: 356
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Hi guys,
I seem to be having a problem with benching I do very good using dumbbells, but as soon as I try to increase my smith machine bench. The problem begins I am not sure of the weight of the bar so I just total up the plates used. I start out with 10reps@ 120#, 8@140, 6@160, 4@180 and finally 2@200#. Am I starting to high rep wise or should I just be a dumbbell bencher. The strange part is that I can do reps using my 100# dumbbells, but yet I struggle with the 200# on the smith. Any advise will be helpful as usual. That is why I love this site and my world of lifters. Here no question is dumb even for an old lifter like me.
loose the smith machine, its not a good piece on equipment anyway, the standard bench is best
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Zar
Total Posts: 225
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Many people dis the Smith machine but it does work real well on certain exercises for many people.. I like it for squats, and a change of pace on inclines and overhead presses. Of course the bench to the neck is most valuable on it. The manufacturer is important as some Smith's are real nice or true garbage depending on who makes it. In my experience the best by far is by Icarain. Flex and Body Master made nice one's. Life Fitness is total crap as are most of their gear. Still all said it's just a variation and free weights are the best.
Edited by Zar on 05-05-08 12:32 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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Sweatn
Total Posts: 9275
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benches 05-05-08 06:22 PM - Post#439032
Dis the Smith.......pleeeeez. It was the best chin bar in the joint.
What we've got here is... failure to communicate. Some men you just can't reach.
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sam tsang
Total Posts: 2411
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05-05-08 06:26 PM - Post#439035
LOL. Sweat'n, Don't forget the coat hanger as well. We've got proper chin-up bars. The Smith is great for hanging all kinds of clothing items that cannot fit my wife's closet. "Nuff said.
Sam Tsang
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Sweatn
Total Posts: 9275
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05-05-08 06:33 PM - Post#439036
LOL. I wasn't kidding. The last gym I was at, you could hit your head on the ceiling using their chin bar, a bright light went of one day, and I discovered the Smith. 
What we've got here is... failure to communicate. Some men you just can't reach.
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