Hammer/Cybex delt press

**Mudge** · 07-29-2003, 11:35 AM

Has anyone used one of these machines? I am tempted to give it a go, it has about a 70º angle or so and you can move one arm independantly of the other. I am not huge on machines at all but I am probably going to give it a go, anyone love/hate this machine?

**I Are Baboon** · 07-29-2003, 01:08 PM

I've used the Hammer Strength version. I don't care for it all that much, but I use it once in a while for variation. Like you said, I am not a huge fan of machines.

**oaktownboy** · 07-29-2003, 01:14 PM

yeah i agree here i would stick to free weight presses..better range of motion

**giant43** · 07-29-2003, 01:52 PM

I'm not a huge fan of machines myself but I do switch off to the hammer machines on occassion .. IMO they are some of the better machines and you can get a good workout from them ..with that said, I would still stick to free weights and use these just as an alternative exercise once in awhile.

**Jodi** · 07-29-2003, 02:01 PM

I've use it. Its a burner. I can't do as much on it as I can on BB shoulder presses or DB press.

I think I can only put like 15lbs on each side but I can press 30lb DB's

**Mudge** · 07-29-2003, 02:11 PM

I keep staring at it in passing, I guess I will just give it a shot in a couple days and see how it is

**Freeman** · 07-29-2003, 02:21 PM

we have something similar at my gym, though a different company I believe. I use it rarely, usually only if other equipment is being used or if I really want some variation. I usually stick to BB and DB presses though. Give it a shot.

**Mudge** · 07-29-2003, 03:01 PM

I've been doing all dumbell lately, laterals first, then presses, then rears. When I had been using barbell last I was doing it on the smith, previously standing up...

**I Are Baboon** · 07-30-2003, 06:54 AM

Originally posted by Jodi
I've use it. Its a burner.

I agree....I'll use the machine at the end of my shoulder workout when I am too shot to do dumbell presses and I just want to finish off the delts.

I have never used this machine as the primary exercise.

**DaMayor** · 07-30-2003, 07:02 AM

That's what I normally do....use machines as a finisher, that is.

**gr81** · 07-30-2003, 07:55 PM

hammer strength machines have their place in a training routine

**oaktownboy** · 07-30-2003, 08:20 PM

true, but usually as finishers and touch ups

**gr81** · 07-30-2003, 10:16 PM

I am not saying to substitute a machine for your power exercise, but hammer strength are good machines, they still use free weights and provide some good angle to take advantage of while using heavy weight.

**P-funk** · 07-31-2003, 07:50 PM

There is a bit of a problem with hammer strength machines if you are looking at the way they produce a force curve. If you are using free weights the force curve (the way in which you generate force) starts low then progreses upwards and then tapers off towards the end. On a hammer strength machine the forc e curve starts low and prgresess upwards until and at the end of the motion it is at its highest peak alowing for a peak contraction. There is a slight problem with this if it is used to often. Lets compare a barbell bench press ti the hammer strength bench machine:

In a bb bench press you unrack the weight and lower it down to your chest to begin the lift. From there you push straight upwards, begin generating force, then as your upper arms become parallel to the ground to are generating your most force since you are at the greasted disadvantage against gravity because the lever arm (you upper arm) is at its longest length. Once you get past this point (which is a common sticking point) you are then home free. Your force starts to decrease because you are coming to the end range of motion and your rear delts, lats and rhomboids begin to fire in order to slow the bar down to end the lift.

On a hammer strength bench machine you are begining the lift by pushing out (similiar to a bench press) except the way they rae built and the way the force curve works is a bit different. Now at the begining of the motion it is easiest to push and as you push further it starts to get harder and harder for you to generate force until the end of the range of motion where it is at the hardest and most difficult for you to generate force. The great thing about this is that you can really force a good contraction making this good for hypertrophy. The bad thing about this is that if you use this machine all the time your brain begins to formulate a general motor pattern saying that it is okay to generate maximal force at the end range of motion during shoulder flexion, or in this case horizontal flexion. If your brain does that then you may actually end up hurting yourself or pulling a muscle doing something in everyday life (like pushing someone or something) and instead of your lats, rear delts adn rhomboids firing at the end range of motion to slow you down (a proper motor pattern progression) you may hyperextend and pull something.

So my point (and a long one at that....sorry) is use hammer strength in moderation.

**Mudge** · 07-31-2003, 10:04 PM

Thanks Funky

**Rocco32** · 08-01-2003, 08:20 PM

I have trouble with Hammer Strength Machines, especially for the shoulders. It makes the tendonitis in my forearms flare up. And the ones for various benches puts alot of stress on my shoulders in what feels like a weird angle. I've had to stop using them.

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