Position of Hammer Strength Machine

Rocco32 · 09-18-2003, 08:52 AM

I started using the Hammer Strength bench and incline today. Where do I set the seat? I figured to set it where the bars are parallel to my shoulders, but that doesn't feel like it's working my chest. When I use the machines, I always feel it in my shoulders.

**Dale Mabry** · 09-18-2003, 09:54 AM

bottom of handles should be mid-chest nthe upright one, in the lying one, parallel to the shoulders is too high.

Rocco32 · 09-18-2003, 10:42 AM

I always raise it several inches just to get it to top of shoulders (level 3). I'm not that small- 5'11". Does everyone else just use it wrong?

**Mudge** · 09-18-2003, 11:56 AM

You should be benching at the nipple or below, not at the shoulder level.

FWIW I dont use those, but have in the past.

**gopro** · 09-18-2003, 02:16 PM

Honestly, with the hammer machines, I set the seat so that the handles would hit me in the upper chest area, near my clavicles if they were one long bar. The key is to make sure to set your body right before commencing with the exercise. You must stick your ribcage out by dropping your shoulders down and arching your lower back slightly. This will help disengage the delts while pressing.

It wasn't until I started pressing to my upper pec, whether it be on a flat or incline bench, that my chest became developed evenly from top to bottom.

**Mudge** · 09-18-2003, 02:27 PM

I like going to the upper chest on inclines, nothing else though, kills my shoulders.

**gopro** · 09-18-2003, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mudge
I like going to the upper chest on inclines, nothing else though, kills my shoulders.

Well, of course if it hurts, don't do it!!

**Mudge** · 09-18-2003, 03:23 PM

Darkkmind · 09-18-2003, 04:56 PM

U might want to raise it a little. I'm about 6' 2 and i had it set to level 3.

09-18-2003, 08:52 AM	#1
Rocco32 UNLEASH THE BEAST Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 22,313 Photos: 18	Position of Hammer Strength Machine I started using the Hammer Strength bench and incline today. Where do I set the seat? I figured to set it where the bars are parallel to my shoulders, but that doesn't feel like it's working my chest. When I use the machines, I always feel it in my shoulders.
	I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain...

09-18-2003, 09:54 AM	#2
Dale Mabry Moderator Moderator Join Date: May 2003 Location: Elsewhere Posts: 13,881 Photos: 10	bottom of handles should be mid-chest nthe upright one, in the lying one, parallel to the shoulders is too high.
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09-18-2003, 10:42 AM	#3
Rocco32 UNLEASH THE BEAST Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 22,313 Photos: 18	I always raise it several inches just to get it to top of shoulders (level 3). I'm not that small- 5'11". Does everyone else just use it wrong?
	I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain...

09-18-2003, 11:56 AM	#4
Mudge Pizza the Hut Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 23,070 Photos: 1	You should be benching at the nipple or below, not at the shoulder level. FWIW I dont use those, but have in the past.
	Kinesiology Vote @ Top 25 Deads Comp Bench Motivation Bench form MaxCalc Charles Poliquin When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. Lao-Tzu I don't know any sources so don't ask - thanks

09-18-2003, 02:16 PM	#5
gopro NGA/IFPA Pro Bodybuilder Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Ft. Lauderdale Florida Posts: 10,523	Honestly, with the hammer machines, I set the seat so that the handles would hit me in the upper chest area, near my clavicles if they were one long bar. The key is to make sure to set your body right before commencing with the exercise. You must stick your ribcage out by dropping your shoulders down and arching your lower back slightly. This will help disengage the delts while pressing. It wasn't until I started pressing to my upper pec, whether it be on a flat or incline bench, that my chest became developed evenly from top to bottom.
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09-18-2003, 02:27 PM	#6
Mudge Pizza the Hut Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 23,070 Photos: 1	I like going to the upper chest on inclines, nothing else though, kills my shoulders.
	Kinesiology Vote @ Top 25 Deads Comp Bench Motivation Bench form MaxCalc Charles Poliquin When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. Lao-Tzu I don't know any sources so don't ask - thanks

09-18-2003, 03:23 PM	#8
Mudge Pizza the Hut Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 23,070 Photos: 1
	Kinesiology Vote @ Top 25 Deads Comp Bench Motivation Bench form MaxCalc Charles Poliquin When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be. Lao-Tzu I don't know any sources so don't ask - thanks

09-18-2003, 04:56 PM	#9
Darkkmind Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 161	U might want to raise it a little. I'm about 6' 2 and i had it set to level 3.
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