bench Press

[backtothegym]

Hi All,

I was wondering if someone could explain what is a better bench press,

Smith machine bench Press or an Sitting Style bench Press Machine? The machine I am talking about is one that you stack free wheights on each side and you have to push the weight out and each arm works independent of the other...I hope this makes sense to you.

The gym I use is open 24hours a day so they are not allowed to have any other types of bench presses as there are not always spotters available for safety.

Thanks

[Toroso]

I would probably go for the Sitting style you describe simply for the arm independence. The Smith supports/guides the weight so that you don't have to. I think the other may give a little of that back.

[SIASY]

Smith machine by a mile!

[Blaster]

I would say use both. But the better of the two would be the smith machine. You could use more weight on the smith compared to a regular bench.

[backtothegym]

Thanks Guy's,

Baster, I actually find that I can lift much more weight on the other machine. Example would be I do 45each side on the smith machine and 70 each side on the other machine.

Do they both use the same chest muscles?

[Blaster]

Originally Posted by backtothegym

Thanks Guy's,

Baster, I actually find that I can lift much more weight on the other machine. Example would be I do 45each side on the smith machine and 70 each side on the other machine.

Do they both use the same chest muscles?

I use both exercises in my workout too, but a regular bench instead of the smith. The weight on the press machine is more than the flat bench for me also. So i would think that it is using different muscles or more muscles in a different group.

[backtothegym]

Thanks Blaster, That is what I had thought as well.

[BolanRox]

i would try using dumbbell presses as well

all the goodness of free weight benching with no real need for a spotter

[backtothegym]

Thanks Rolan,

I have started to also do Dumbbell Presses. I should have stated the reason for my post.... I am trying to build a new routine for working my Chest, and wanted to try to get 4-5 different exercises that will give a good overall chest workout.

I welcome any advice or ideas that are out there.

Thanks

[Macrobolic]

Originally Posted by backtothegym

Hi All,

I was wondering if someone could explain what is a better bench press,

Smith machine bench Press or an Sitting Style bench Press Machine? The machine I am talking about is one that you stack free wheights on each side and you have to push the weight out and each arm works independent of the other...I hope this makes sense to you.

The gym I use is open 24hours a day so they are not allowed to have any other types of bench presses as there are not always spotters available for safety.

Thanks

IMO, the smith would be better. I never really like those bench press machines in which you are sitting up. I always felt that the front delt got worked to much with those due to the machine set up.

Both have their up sides and downsides, but I personally would use the smith machine. And like what was discussed above, dumbbell bench press will be a good free weight alternative if you have some that go heavy enough.