Smith machine for CGBP

r0dxx · 04-29-2006, 09:57 PM

My tricep workout last week was something like Skullcrushers, bench dips, then I go to the smith machine for the Close grip bench, then usually burn it out on the cables.

I usually do regular close grip on the regular bench, but I felt this 5x more. Probally because my form was perfect with the smith machine.

My question is...

Is there a big overall difference in using the smith machine vs a free weight bench for close grip benching?

My friend said the smith machine isn't 1/2 as good as using the regular bar, but I get twice as much of a pump and feel it much more.

What do you guys think?

Adamjs · 04-29-2006, 10:13 PM

You can isolate more with the smith machine and you should be able to do more weight with it - the isolation would explain why you feel it more. However, you're losing the ability to build all of the other stabiliser muscles as well.

I don't see anything wrong with using the smith machine - as long as you're using freeweights as well.

Bakerboy · 04-29-2006, 10:14 PM

If you think you are getting better results using the smith machine, then I say stick with it. Always, listen to your own body... Go with what feels right.

Tough Old Man · 04-29-2006, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adamjs

You can isolate more with the smith machine and you should be able to do more weight with it - the isolation would explain why you feel it more. However, you're losing the ability to build all of the other stabiliser muscles as well.

I don't see anything wrong with using the smith machine - as long as you're using freeweights as well.

II'm not so sure that you can isolate the tri's more but it does enable you to use more weight and more weight equals better gains.

LexusGS · 04-29-2006, 10:33 PM

use it if it works. For me personally I get more pump with freeweights so I use that.

Tough Old Man · 04-29-2006, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LexusGS

use it if it works. For me personally I get more pump with freeweights so I use that.

Lex my friend using a smith machine is still using free weights but there on guide rails. This machine is great for those that lift by themselves and want to go to maximun or failure. You can set the pin's just above your chest and this will keep you from ending up with a heavy weight that you can now no longer get up which could result in the weight lowierng to your chest and then rolling to the throat causing severe damage or most likely death if no one's around.

Tough.

mike456 · 04-29-2006, 11:20 PM

Tough my freind they're not free weights if they're not free.

mike456 · 04-29-2006, 11:22 PM

Adam is saying you can isolate more with it, because you use less stabilizers

mike456 · 04-29-2006, 11:24 PM

wow if some1 dies from getting the bar stuck on them, they have to be dumb, if anything just dump the bar to your left or right

kcoleman · 04-29-2006, 11:34 PM

Yea you'de have to be going for a one rep max or something and not paying attention at all for that to happen

**CowPimp** · 04-30-2006, 02:00 AM

Although I really dislike smitch machines myself, I don't think using them sometimes would be a problem. I wouldn't do any type of movement exclusively on a smith machine, but it could be used to overload the prime movers in a specific exercise to a greater degree.

r0dxx · 04-30-2006, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adamjs

You can isolate more with the smith machine and you should be able to do more weight with it - the isolation would explain why you feel it more. However, you're losing the ability to build all of the other stabiliser muscles as well.

I don't see anything wrong with using the smith machine - as long as you're using freeweights as well.

Would I be hitting the stabiliser muscles enough when doing skull crushers, and dips?

r0dxx · 04-30-2006, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CowPimp

Although I really dislike smitch machines myself, I don't think using them sometimes would be a problem. I wouldn't do any type of movement exclusively on a smith machine, but it could be used to overload the prime movers in a specific exercise to a greater degree.

I was thinking of doing it every other workout...I feel i can really totally annihilate the triceps and push to absolute failure on there.

**gopro** · 04-30-2006, 04:38 PM

When it comes to CG bench press, I much prefer doing them on a Smith machine.

r0dxx · 04-30-2006, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gopro

When it comes to CG bench press, I much prefer doing them on a Smith machine.

yo what gym do you go to?

i coulda sworn I saw you at LA Fitness...But I didnt wanna walk up to you and be like "hey are you gopro from ironmagazine.com?"

**gopro** · 05-01-2006, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r0dxx

yo what gym do you go to?

i coulda sworn I saw you at LA Fitness...But I didnt wanna walk up to you and be like "hey are you gopro from ironmagazine.com?"

I train at a Gold's. You probably saw some other big, bald-headed, goteed, guy with an ugly mug walking around!

DeadBolt · 05-01-2006, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gopro

I train at a Gold's. You probably saw some other big, bald-headed, goteed, guy with an ugly mug walking around!

I dont know if there is anyone else out there as ugly as you eric

The13ig13adWolf · 05-01-2006, 04:29 PM

personally, i think the smith is a waste of space unless you're attaching a chain to it and pulling it across the gym floor.

fixed plane = no stabilizers

my vote = stick to a free weight BB

The13ig13adWolf · 05-01-2006, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gopro

I train at a Gold's. You probably saw some other big, bald-headed, goteed, guy with an ugly mug walking around!

which Gold's? i just noticed you're in FL.

Detroit_4_Life · 05-01-2006, 08:32 PM

I HATE, repeat HATE the smith machine

**gopro** · 05-02-2006, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeadBolt

I dont know if there is anyone else out there as ugly as you eric

Well, thanks...while I agree, there is no reason to point that out here just because I look like THIS in person

**gopro** · 05-02-2006, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The13ig13adWolf

which Gold's? i just noticed you're in FL.

Sunrise Golds

Tough Old Man · 05-02-2006, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The13ig13adWolf

which Gold's? i just noticed you're in FL.

Don't tell her erik as she will tow away your smith machine that you do CG bench on....LOL...Wolf now i know why your built so well. From hand towing smith machines out the door.

The13ig13adWolf · 05-02-2006, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gopro

Sunrise Golds

*note to self*

not far from me.

The13ig13adWolf · 05-02-2006, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tough Old Man

Don't tell her erik as she will tow away your smith machine that you do CG bench on....LOL...Wolf now i know why your built so well. From hand towing smith machines out the door.

**gopro** · 05-03-2006, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The13ig13adWolf

My gym has 5 smith machines and she wouldn't have a chance of getting ANY of them away from me!! (Not unless she was VERY persuasive

)

**gopro** · 05-03-2006, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The13ig13adWolf

*note to self*

not far from me.

*note to you*

Come on in and join me for a workout!

Favre · 05-03-2006, 10:59 AM

I use the smith for 3 things, front squats, calf raises, and CG benchpress. People diss them all the time but there is something to be said about loading on a heavy ass weight while not having to worry about dropping it or finding a spotter. I train at home so it helps big time.

Of all these I think CG benchpress is the most advantageous on a smith over its freeweight version. I think my stabilizer muscles get plenty of work with dumbell benching, skullcrushers etc.

04-29-2006, 09:57 PM	#1
r0dxx Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 584	Smith machine for CGBP My tricep workout last week was something like Skullcrushers, bench dips, then I go to the smith machine for the Close grip bench, then usually burn it out on the cables. I usually do regular close grip on the regular bench, but I felt this 5x more. Probally because my form was perfect with the smith machine. My question is... Is there a big overall difference in using the smith machine vs a free weight bench for close grip benching? My friend said the smith machine isn't 1/2 as good as using the regular bar, but I get twice as much of a pump and feel it much more. What do you guys think?
r0dxx Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 584

04-29-2006, 10:13 PM	#2
Adamjs Adamjs Join Date: May 2005 Location: Sydney Posts: 262	You can isolate more with the smith machine and you should be able to do more weight with it - the isolation would explain why you feel it more. However, you're losing the ability to build all of the other stabiliser muscles as well. I don't see anything wrong with using the smith machine - as long as you're using freeweights as well.
	____________________________________________ Restless soul, enjoy your youth. Like Muhammad. Hits the truth. Can't escape from the common rule - if you hate something don't you do it too.

04-29-2006, 11:20 PM	#7
mike456 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 3,284	Tough my freind they're not free weights if they're not free.
mike456 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 3,284

04-29-2006, 11:22 PM	#8
mike456 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 3,284	Adam is saying you can isolate more with it, because you use less stabilizers
mike456 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 3,284

04-29-2006, 11:24 PM	#9
mike456 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 3,284	wow if some1 dies from getting the bar stuck on them, they have to be dumb, if anything just dump the bar to your left or right
mike456 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 3,284

04-29-2006, 10:14 PM	#3
Bakerboy cat burglar Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: the city of champions Posts: 4,146 Photos: 3	If you think you are getting better results using the smith machine, then I say stick with it. Always, listen to your own body... Go with what feels right.

04-29-2006, 10:33 PM	#5
LexusGS 3UZFE Join Date: May 2005 Location: United States Posts: 2,636	use it if it works. For me personally I get more pump with freeweights so I use that.

04-29-2006, 11:34 PM	#10
kcoleman Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: . Posts: 533	Yea you'de have to be going for a one rep max or something and not paying attention at all for that to happen

04-30-2006, 02:00 AM	#11
CowPimp Fueled by Testosterone Moderator Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Silver Spring, MD Posts: 15,428	Although I really dislike smitch machines myself, I don't think using them sometimes would be a problem. I wouldn't do any type of movement exclusively on a smith machine, but it could be used to overload the prime movers in a specific exercise to a greater degree.
	The only time it's bad to feel the burn is when you're peeing... CowPimp Picks Up Heavy Shit MySpace YouTube Videos

04-30-2006, 04:38 PM	#14
gopro NGA/IFPA Pro Bodybuilder Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Ft. Lauderdale Florida Posts: 10,521	When it comes to CG bench press, I much prefer doing them on a Smith machine.
	Monthly columnist for Muscular Development and Ironman magazines. GOLIATH LABS Sponsored Athlete/Board Rep www.prrstraining.com Time to GROW Without Plateau! Personal Training Gopro is available for online personal training, dietary guidance, and contest prep coaching. Send me a PM or e-mail if interested. Thank you.

05-01-2006, 04:29 PM	#18
The13ig13adWolf IM Ball Buster Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: I win... Posts: 1,367	personally, i think the smith is a waste of space unless you're attaching a chain to it and pulling it across the gym floor. fixed plane = no stabilizers my vote = stick to a free weight BB
	Some people get lost in thought because it's such unfamiliar territory. -G. Behn

05-01-2006, 08:32 PM	#20
Detroit_4_Life Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Southwest Detroit Posts: 211	I HATE, repeat HATE the smith machine
	Stand for somethin, or fall for anything http://www.insidesouthwest.com/pictu...erosol-020.jpg

05-03-2006, 10:59 AM	#28
Favre 3 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 141 Photos: 3	I use the smith for 3 things, front squats, calf raises, and CG benchpress. People diss them all the time but there is something to be said about loading on a heavy ass weight while not having to worry about dropping it or finding a spotter. I train at home so it helps big time. Of all these I think CG benchpress is the most advantageous on a smith over its freeweight version. I think my stabilizer muscles get plenty of work with dumbell benching, skullcrushers etc.