Hammer Strength vs. Bench Press when seeking mass

[xxx_hockey]

My question is whether there's a difference between benching traditionally or using Hammer Strength equip. when trying to build chest mass?

Following hockey season I'd like to put on 10+ pounds in the spring. I've been lifting chest using Hammer Strength the past year or so, which allows me to lift a lot more than what I can put up on bench.

Would it benefit my goal of adding mass to start with less weight on the bench and work up OR start heavier on Hammer Strength? Any help/opinions would be greatly appreciated.

[KuruptLifter]

I like to use both.

Hammer eliminates the need for stabilizer muscles.. thats probably got alot to do with you lifting more on it..

I mean, it's totally based on what you like.

Everyones going to tell you BB bench, but there are guys that have pretty big chests on machines like hammer.

I think the best thing is a combination of both.

I tend to go heavy barbell bench (6-8 rep range, sometimes higher) then move into some higher rep (10-12) on the hammer machine. DO what feels right for you.

[87lifter]

I tend to go heavy barbell bench (6-8 rep range, sometimes higher) then move into some higher rep (10-12) on the hammer machine.

this is similar to my protocol as well...

[Tyrbolift]

There's no way to equate bench with HS as far as what is lifting "heavier." They do not directly translate. That said, nobody has to bench when HS is a good alternative, but I recommend benching first and using HS as a followup movement in the same workout.

[A-rod]

If I had to close I d go with the machine , for mass building, for safety and to be able to push past the failure point easier!


AND BECAUSE IT BLOODY DAMN WELL WORKS!

[isaidme]

I use HS because it eliminates the need for a spotter when pushing
to failure.

[Hengman]

You want mass?

Eat more. The amount you put up doesn't give you 10lbs. You got to eat for that. Lifting will aid you, but only if you eat too.

[DJAuto]

Hammer Strength is an integral part of my routine, but I would NEVER replace free weight movements with them.

[xxx_hockey]

You want mass?

Eat more. The amount you put up doesn't give you 10lbs. You got to eat for that. Lifting will aid you, but only if you eat too.

Thanks, however I am already quite aware. I will be everything I can get my hands on. At least the good stuff

[ironwill2008]

Use both; train chest with barbell bench first, when you're fresh, and later move to machine work, where you can concentrate on simply moving the weight, and not controlling a bar, or dumbbells. HammerStrength chest presses would be a great way to "finish" your chest workout.

[hessunit]

I say do whichever you like and feel works better for you. HS gives your body a more natural range of motion...with the way the handles are angled etc. I like both, but find my elbows get sore on bench.

[Bnk]

I agree with what most of the posts here have already stated. A combination of the two gives you the best of both worlds. I typically start off with heavy flat barbell bench and then do my incline work on the hammer machines.