Why not bench press using smith machine?

[walkms00]

I'm well aware BB and DB bench > smith machine bench, my workout partner keeps getting ****ty advice from his friends and wants us to stop doing dumbbell bench press (I know it's much better, just not sure of all the specific reasons). So if someone can aware me the best reasons why BB and DB bench are better than smith machine bench, that would be great thanks

[ANumber1]

The smith is holding and balancing the bar for you, so you aren't training stabilizing muscles and the machine is hiding strength imbalances between your left and right sides. Plus, it's resisting any arc in your body's natural movement, which might actually contribute to injury over time.

[oldballs]

Once you can answer this question on you own, you are probably advanced enough to use the smith machine.

[magician27]

simple answer.. because its harder to do ,this maybe only applies to bodybuilding but if something is harder to do , then its better for you.

[davisj3537]

A smith machine won't allow you to follow a natural bar path which can lead to injuries. That and stabilizer muscles already mentioned. It can be a useful tool if you can use the predetermined bar path to your advantage.

[sciosarah]

Dumbbell bench press will make you stronger, more stable, and more confident. You also have the benefit of not being locked in position, which you don't even get on a strict bench. DB bench will help you get better at strict bench as well. Smith machine bench will make you better at...smith machine bench.

[MrSinister]

The smith is as hard or easy as you make.. in theory it's easier to move the equivalent weight of a freeweight bar but the simple fix to this is use more weight on the smith!

They are a great machine if you train alone

[FierceStrength]

just wrote a killer article about this on my website yesterday! see sig

[ironwill2008]

So if someone can aware me the best reasons why BB and DB bench are better than smith machine bench...

Better for what?

There are advantages and disadvantages to all the variants mentioned, OP.

[JayNotts]

You can exercise on the smith machine?!? I thought it was for weight storage!

Mind is blown!

[magic15]

Op don't forget to put the collars on when using the smith machine

[Partyrocking]

It sounds like you and your friends would benefit from following a proven routine instead of bickering over whih exercise is "better" once you have more lifting experience, you will be able to determine which lift is better for your goals.

[Tbillionaire]

smith machine bench put sooo much pressure on my shoulders, would not recommend

[FierceStrength]

to poster who said both have benefits. what benefits would a smith machine have over bb?

[chazzy1864]

Once you can answer this question on you own, you are probably advanced enough to use the smith machine.

The smith is as hard or easy as you make.. in theory it's easier to move the equivalent weight of a freeweight bar but the simple fix to this is use more weight on the smith!

They are a great machine if you train alone

Better for what?

There are advantages and disadvantages to all the variants mentioned, OP.

It sounds like you and your friends would benefit from following a proven routine instead of bickering over whih exercise is "better" once you have more lifting experience, you will be able to determine which lift is better for your goals.

^ These are all valid posts that coincide with my thoughts.

to poster who said both have benefits. what benefits would a smith machine have over bb?

Reduction of involvement for some muscles. More focus on others. Restriction to particular ROM / Bar path can be useful.

Same benefits that any machine can have over free weight.

[ironwill2008]

to poster who said both have benefits. what benefits would a smith machine have over bb?

The ability to put all the work on the prime mover(s), with the maximum amount of potential overload not limited by smaller "stabilizer" muscles. Also, an excellent way to finish off a muscle group after already being worked with free weight exercises.

Not something beginners or possibly even intermediates need be concerned about, but a valuable tool for more-advanced bodybuilders.

[FierceStrength]

the op said his friend wanted to STOP doing db bench and switch to smith machine bench.................but thanks for the info guys

[skel1977]

get a new workout partner

[dcmix5]

smith machine bench put sooo much pressure on my shoulders, would not recommend

^ This

I can't...can't bench on a smith machine. The amount of pressure using any weight is just horribly uncomfortable for me and I avoid it at all costs.

[oldballs]

the op said his friend wanted to STOP doing db bench and switch to smith machine bench.................but thanks for the info guys

ok, so it sounds like everyone knows what is going on in the thread but you?

[civpit510]

Smith Machine Hurts My Shoulders. The Whole Movement dosent Feel Natural.BUT sheit If you feel more COMFORT in the Safety Devices on it then LOAD that Bish up with weights....

Later when your confident try some heavy FREE weight..use it as a bridge.....