Bench press question

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PolakDave

0
Hey guys,

So, I've finally started working out consistently (almost a month and a half now :p ), and I've gone from my abysmal 90lbs of bench press capability, to around 155-160lbs. That's also about 5 reps, because I'm pretty scared of that crap all falling on me, so I never really "max out". I'm 5'10.5", and about 175lbs.

Anyways, here's my question. Since I've never really had a consistent friend to go with to the gym, I've never really had a spotter, so I never did the bench press. Then I discovered this machine thing that can be used for a bunch of stuff like squats, bench press, ect... Basically anything with a barbell. You guys all probably know what it's called (so please let me know), it's that thing that you can lock the bar onto by turning your wrists. This was my solution to the lack of a spotter.

It looks pretty much like this, by my gym has a more welfare looking one :p


Anyways, my question is, are my results really inflated? I'm going home for Easter, as I live in another city for Uni, and a friend of mine wanted to work out with me, and I don't want to end up killing myself since I don't think the gym by his house has this thing, so I'll have to do it freely with a spotter.

How much harder is it without that machine.
 
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its called the smith machine, and yes, you're results are inflated, but not by much. The machine takes away any "natural curve" to your motion since it is on a track. The bar itself "acts" like 25lbs, but the friction from the track changes depending on the amount of weight actually on the bar. IN other words, no one (at least me) knows how much the bar actually weighs and there is no real translation to a free weight bench press. For instance, i can bench 225 on the smith machine, not counting the weight of the bar, but when i go to a real gym (im sort of in the same situation as you and have no spotter) i can only push about 205 X 1. When you go home start off light and work your way into it, and within a few sets you'll know whaere you're at...And keep it up, a month and a half is a good start but a start none the less!
 
It really depends if the cables pull any weight, since they make both kinds. If it doesn't pull any weight then you'll just need to train the stabilizer muscles to help control the weight. If it does pull weight, then just subtract that and factor in the stabilizers.
 
Thanks for the responses, guys!

I went to the gym, despite my hurt shoulder, just to try this out. Kind of a bad idea, as my shoulder gave out, haha; however, I did learn that I can do the same weights as on the Smith... BUT, it's a lot hard to keep it steady.
 
PolakDave, a smith is not good for your shoulders especially if you already have some shoulder issues. for your bench press. On the light weights you can unrack the bar yourself but on the heavy sets get a handoff.
 
evan said:
Have you tried using dumbbells? Far less likely to get pinned during a bench press.
Click to expand...

That won't really help the OP because unless you are using girlie dumbbells, for DBs approaching or exceeding your own bodyweight, he will also need a spotter. The link is from a certain Mark Rippetoe who you may not know BTW.
 
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