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smith machine

tjcrider Posts: 41 Joined: 2004/05/19	2004/06/01, 12:46 PM I work out by my self a lot and like to use heavy weights but do not have a spotter .the small gym I go to has a smith machine. Is it ok to use it for bench press and if so the guide bars angle forward at the top and back at the bottom which way should it be going when benching should I be pushing the bar over my abdomen or over my head when benching?
asimmer Posts: 8,201 Joined: 2003/01/07	2004/06/01, 02:51 PM push the bar towards your abdomen, it is easier on your shoulder joints. Set it up so it comes down a little above mid-pec. -------------- If you fall down seven times, get up eight.
bigandrew Posts: 5,146 Joined: 2002/10/21	2004/06/01, 08:09 PM ON smith its not "heavy" it just looks heavy.....smiths have a 30lb counter balance.........so just cause you have 225 on the bar its really 195.......I say get under a bench, go a lil lighter, and do more reps.......an dif your going heavy on a set, ask for a spotter, most people don't mind...... -------------- .......adversity causes some to break, but others to break records! ......minds are not vessles to be filled, but fires to be enlightened ......Confucious once said ,DO NOT play leap frog with a unicorn
vivavegas02 Posts: 96 Joined: 2004/03/18	2004/06/01, 11:54 PM I've recently have gotten over not having a spotter and asking someone at my gym to spot me. It seems as though people who I ask don't mind at all. And having someone there seems to push you more. I would just ask...
Spazasaurus Posts: 38 Joined: 2003/04/02	2004/06/02, 12:11 PM It is great for not needing a spotter, but you will be hurting your development. You don't have a profile to let us know what you are trying to get out of this, but it is by far better to use the bench and ask someone to spot if there is anyone available. You never know, they may be just looking for any reason to take a little longer rest between sets.
timmstar Posts: 426 Joined: 2003/12/08	2004/06/04, 04:03 AM "ON smith its not "heavy" it just looks heavy.....smiths have a 30lb counter balance.........so just cause you have 225 on the bar its really 195" lol so the bar floats if it weighs 30pounds? :P maybe it rises in the air if it weights between 0 and 29.99*pounds :P lol sorry couldnt help it :) i think u mean percentage balance dno what percentage but yea.
tjcrider Posts: 41 Joined: 2004/05/19	2004/06/04, 06:38 AM when i say heavy i mean what is heavy for me to lift not the number on the plats
bigandrew Posts: 5,146 Joined: 2002/10/21	2004/06/04, 08:28 PM Trimm..... its counter balanced......with 30 lbs.......so 45 lb bar-30 =15lbs.........its giving you a "spot" and controlling the bar for you. TJ I meant the fact that, some people( not neccasrly you) get on a smith, just so they can put more plats on it, so they look cool. That "spot" and control that it helps you with will hamper your development. I say lighten up get under some free weights and get to it. -------------- .......adversity causes some to break, but others to break records! ......minds are not vessles to be filled, but fires to be enlightened ......Confucious once said ,DO NOT play leap frog with a unicorn