smithmachine bench press is it accurate?

[wieywill]

whats up 3 weeks ago i started using the smith-machine since i do not have a spotter with me when i go to the gym.

now on march 09th i was able to do 240lbs x2 reps on the smith machine up 1 rep from the free-weight barbell bench press.

now fast forward to the 13th of march i was able to 250lbs x2 reps it was tough as hell though..

then on the 20th of march i was able to 240lbs x5 reps..

now today after my workout i did 270lbs x1 went up fairly easy then i put 290lbs on it and rested 5 mins and then done 290lbs it was tough after getting off the bench i was red as hell and felt light headed..

now my question is this. the bar weights 0lbs not 5lbs not 10lbs and especially not 45lbs..

i had 6 45lbs plate on side and 2 10lbs plates on each side of the bar for a total of 290lbs.

now my question is this..i seen a guy who can pick up 200lbs for a 1 rep max and he can do it 1 time and barelky lock out the second rep but he fails though..thats 4 45lbs plates and 2 10lb plates..

i know a lot of people hate the smith for no apparent reason but i know i am getting stronger should i stick with the smith or start using a spotter when i go heavy..

also today before i worked out on the smith i was able to do 225lbs for 8 reps on the barbell bench press with no spotter.

my previous best was 240lbs for one rep that was on march 06th...

[chazzy1864]

Smith machine bars usually don't weight 45lbs. Check your machine to see what it weighs. 15lbs seems to be a common number. I've personally seen them weigh (or counterweigh for the nit pickers) anywhere from nothing to 30lbs.


All weight (or lack of) accounted for; Smith machine takes out the requirement of many of your smaller stabilizer muscles, which can allow you to lift more than with a free barbell.

[wieywill]

i think the bar weighs zero lbs...i had this one guy tell me it weighed 45lbs i was dude there is no way in hell if i can move it with 2 finger it is ZEROED out he got all pissed because he thought he was repping 185lbs when really all he was doing was 140lbs for 3 reps the guy is a tard if anything..

[jrmuscle]

they are zero lbs so that each rep is more assisted so they are not accurate they are actually better on your joints but a lil easier to lift heavier as well but not much easier

[wieywill]

i knew i was right about not counting the bar!!,,

so my 290lbs press is more likely a 285lb press if anything..

regardless it makes feel good seeing 6 45lbers and 2 10lbs loaded up there..heh

[chazzy1864]

Not all are zero. Check the labels on your machine, it should be posted somewhere on it. Like the two smiths at my gym are 15lbs.

[wieywill]

will do that the next time i go thanks..

[laughin_man]

why cant you just ask somebody in the gym to spot you?

[wieywill]

not to sound like a dick or be mean but the guys there are kinda weak/scrawny no way in hell would i trust one of them with me attempting new max's....

the most i seen one of these guys lift is 185lbs for 2 reps and screamed like an idiot with each rep..

[chazzy1864]

It shouldn't take but a few fingers to save you on a fail.

I don't ever use spotters, and train to failure often.

[brighamw]

Not all are zero. Check the labels on your machine, it should be posted somewhere on it. Like the two smiths at my gym are 15lbs.

True...1 @ my gym is 25lbs and the other is only 5lbs? Says right on the machines, gym manager said he got tired of being asked-LOL

[nickasher]

use a power rack just move the bar where you need it and your done

[wieywill]

i would but the gym i go to does not have a power rack...it sucks i know.

[nickasher]

how about a half rack?

[TheStreetKing]

they are actually better on your joints

The Smith Machine is NOT BETTER for your joints, When your body is forced to move in a Un Natural line it does more harm than good for your joints and ligaments. Doing Freeweight Barbell Bench is much easier on the joints than a smith machine ever could be, And Dumbbells are the Best overall!