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Smith machine for CGBP


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Old 04-29-2006, 09:57 PM   #1
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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?
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Old 04-29-2006, 10:13 PM   #2
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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.



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Old 04-29-2006, 10:14 PM   #3
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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.

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Old 04-29-2006, 10:21 PM   #4
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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.
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Old 04-29-2006, 10:33 PM   #5
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use it if it works. For me personally I get more pump with freeweights so I use that.
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Old 04-29-2006, 11:04 PM   #6
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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.

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Old 04-29-2006, 11:20 PM   #7
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Tough my freind they're not free weights if they're not free.
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Old 04-29-2006, 11:22 PM   #8
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Adam is saying you can isolate more with it, because you use less stabilizers
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Old 04-29-2006, 11:24 PM   #9
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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
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Old 04-29-2006, 11:34 PM   #10
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Yea you'de have to be going for a one rep max or something and not paying attention at all for that to happen
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Old 04-30-2006, 02:00 AM   #11
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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.



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Old 04-30-2006, 08:33 AM   #12
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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?
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Old 04-30-2006, 08:37 AM   #13
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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.
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Old 04-30-2006, 04:38 PM   #14
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When it comes to CG bench press, I much prefer doing them on a Smith machine.



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Old 04-30-2006, 09:51 PM   #15
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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?"
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Old 05-01-2006, 11:52 AM   #16
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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!



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Old 05-01-2006, 12:46 PM   #17
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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



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Old 05-01-2006, 04:29 PM   #18
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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



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Old 05-01-2006, 04:30 PM   #19
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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.



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Old 05-01-2006, 08:32 PM   #20
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I HATE, repeat HATE the smith machine



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Old 05-02-2006, 11:50 AM   #21
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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



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Old 05-02-2006, 11:51 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The13ig13adWolf
which Gold's? i just noticed you're in FL.
Sunrise Golds



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Old 05-02-2006, 01:57 PM   #23
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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.
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Old 05-02-2006, 03:14 PM   #24
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Quote:
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Sunrise Golds
*note to self*

not far from me.



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Old 05-02-2006, 03:15 PM   #25
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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.



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Old 05-03-2006, 10:43 AM   #26
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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 )



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Old 05-03-2006, 10:47 AM   #27
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The13ig13adWolf
*note to self*

not far from me.
*note to you*

Come on in and join me for a workout!



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Old 05-03-2006, 10:59 AM   #28
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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.
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