bench press on smith or using dumbells?

[Seashell]

Which is a better substitute?

I don't do the regular bench press because I like to go to failure and I have no spotter.

So I've been using the Smith Machine.. but I'm wondering if using dumbells on a flat bench would be better? (stabilizers?)

Thanks!

 

[spatts]

Why not alternate?

Remember, on the Smith, you don't count the bar.

 

[Seashell]

Alright, I'll alternate.

Damn.. no dramatic PR there then

 

[Seashell]

Well, with dbs.. you can just drop 'em when you fail...

On regular bench.. it gets rather painful in the neck area if you do that.

 

[makedah]

how does using dbs help you go to failure without a spotter?

 

[spatts]

You can dump them to either side (ideally).

 

[makedah]

That just seems like it would hurt! But I guess I'm thinking of trying to lower them under control instead of just dumping them b/c I lift at a commercial gym.

 

[RottenWillow]

Hey that's thinking creatively seashell!

 

[spatts]

On regular bench.. it gets rather painful in the neck area if you do that.

Don't bench to your neck.

 

[Seashell]

Don't bench to your neck.

Anya and I were JUST discussing that .. adjusting the position where we lower the bar to.. we find we're both not a fan of the boob-crushing that goes on when one has to roll the bar down your body to get it off you.

I used to lower to mid chest, and when I got stuck, the bar rolled down the "hill" onto my neck. Now, I lower the bar to my sternum. Problem solved.