Going from dumbbells to smith machine

[EdenSeeker]

My normal chest workout involves mainly dumbbell presses inclines, normal, and declines. I've been doing 45's for 5 sets each and between 6-10 reps each. But since my gym removed its free weight barbell I can only use the smith machine. I can barely do anything on it and everytime I do I can not feel it working my chest. Is there some way to maximize my workout on it, or a different position I could try? If its more effective to just use dumbbells and maybe a smaller bar for normal presses, would that work? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[NorthStrong]

Go to a real gym. Use heavier dumbbells if you don't go to a real gym.

[THYWARZONE]

My normal chest workout involves mainly dumbbell presses inclines, normal, and declines. I've been doing 45's for 5 sets each and between 6-10 reps each. But since my gym removed its free weight barbell I can only use the smith machine. I can barely do anything on it and everytime I do I can not feel it working my chest. Is there some way to maximize my workout on it, or a different position I could try? If its more effective to just use dumbbells and maybe a smaller bar for normal presses, would that work? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

If possible, it would be best to switch gyms.

If this is not possible, I would not recommend using the Smith machine to replace your barbell pressing movements. Instead, perform your pressing movements with dumbbells. You can still develop a great chest, both in terms of mass and strength, with dumbbells (arguably more so than a barbell)! If your gym still has standard barbells available that are a sufficient weight for your pressing, use them as well.

[napa1m]

The smith machine has a really bad reputation around here but I dont think it is bad as they make it to be. I actually find quite effective in insolating the chest

You might not be using proper form on it though. Try bringing the bar down to your upper chest, dont lockout or let it rest on your chest and squeeze your arms together on the way up then lower it slowly on the way down

[davisj3537]

Go to a real gym. Use heavier dumbbells if you don't go to a real gym.

This.

Also, a smith machine can be a useful tool, but you need to understand how the predetermined bar path can be an advantage instead of a limitation. It is great for very specific workouts, that you probably aren't ready for. Stick to heavy dbs until you get a new gym.

[EdenSeeker]

Ok thanks, I can go on base but thats a half-hour drive and this other gym is right around the corner. But I can probably head on base for my chest workouts. I can stick with dumbbells too, but can someone describe the proper method for using the smith machine? It seems that each time I use it my arms either are bent in a weird way so they cant push up or that it focuses all on my arms and not my chest.

[miamibodybuilder]

honestly for the smith machine and benching you have to play around with the grip width and bench placement mostly. when i first started using the smith it was difficult to feel my chest, but now i know where to set the bench and i can move my hands around from close to wide to really feel my chest working. try using just a 25lb plate and messing with the placement of the bench and your hands until you find something that works for you. but the smith really is a great tool.

[Will2000]

Dbells and cables are all u need to batter your chest.

[EdenSeeker]

Are your wrists supposed to be straight or slightly bent? Mine always bend back so the bar lies on the palm instead of resting on my thumb.

[Will2000]

wrists should be straight and bar should rest on the bottom half of the palm of your hand