Benching on a smith machine

[audiophyle]

Will benching on a smith machine make it harder for me to grow? I dont have a spotter so i'm always afraid i'm gonna drop the weights on myself when i use freeweights.

 

[Ingram]

I'm sure people will laugh at me for this, but...

When I started working out I benched on the smith all the time, but I eventully moved on to free weights.

If you honestly don't like the idea of benching free weights, go for the smith untill you feel comfortable knowing where your limits are. Once you're comfy, then move to dumbell or barbell bench....

my 2 cents, I'm sure many will disagree....

-Ingra,

 

[Nonerz]

I say don't do it...you've got options! I don't like benching without a spotter either...I've witnessed a few guys get pinned at my gym!

Try setting the pins low enough to allow you enough range of motion on the squat rack...it works like a charm!

I'll leave the lecture about how the smith machine is evil--blah, blah, blah--to someone who can sound really smart saying it!

 

[Thaibox]

Try setting the pins low enough to allow you enough range of motion on the squat rack...it works like a charm!

Thats what I was going to recommend. Good point Nonerz

 

[audiophyle]

excellent idea. thanks!

 

[Kurtz2]

i cant even get a pump on smith machine bench press...

 

[Lee]

ive never done machine bench and never will. i rarely even do freeweight bench press anymore, i just do dumbell press, i get a better pump out of it.

 

[Ingram]

i cant even get a pump on smith machine bench press...

I find that very hard to believe.

-Ingram

 

[endpoint]

I hate smith machines for a few reasons......but if it provides a load and resistance it can be used to build muscle

 

[Nonerz]

I wouldn't say that I'd NEVER use it...okay I have--but only for a very few and infrequent specific exercises. Not a staple of my typical routine...