Effectivness of Bench Press Machine.

Samich

How much difference is there between a bench press and bench press machine?
I know you use more muscles in stabalising when just benching but could you do more reps on the machine to equal this out?

I've never benched and tbh I think I'd be embarassed to bench with a spotter, I'd say I'd only be benching about 8/10 reps of 40/50 kg. I've never benched.

Also what about push ups, I'm a pretty heavy fella and can probably do about 14 proper push ups before failure, would this be the same as benching?

squod

No one should be embarrassed to ask for a spot. Most people are only human after all. I used to use a chest press machine on the heavier sets. You'd be surprised how close the two actions are like.

Start light with the bench. It's how everyone starts. Ask the instructor for a spot, it's what they're there for.

top madra

Start with a lower weight until you figure out how much you can bench, you can do that on your own if you don't train to failure..

And about being embarrassed, nobody cares what you can bench or not, its all in your head.

Brian?

What are we calling a bench press machine? Do you mean a smit machine?

Whatever you mean, you're much better off pressing with a barbell.

john_cappa

use dumbells!

Samich

Any opinion on the press ups?

ray jay

If you can already do 14, you're beyond the rep range usually recommended for strength. You'll also miss out on working the stabilising muscles. Start benching, you'll make good progress quickly since you're just starting out.

The Guvnor

John was on the money there use DB's.

As for the crossover between machine and olympic bench - very hard to say as machines are different.

In some cases the machine is more awkward as you usually start in the bottom position - imagine starting your heavy bench press with the bar on your chest?!? No thanks!

As was said also - never be embarassed in the gym - most genuine, serious trainers are only to happy to offer some help as most were there themselves at one point.

JJayoo

Pushups are the only exercise that give me chest and lat doms. Pushups are a great exercise as you can do them anywhere and there will be many days that you just can't get to the gym. Plus there are many variations.

nice_guy80

alternating single arm dumbbell press?
great to develop strength

Samich

Should also add them 14 push ups wouldn't be easy to do :P Probably not going down as far as I should either. So would they be good?

Samich

Any other thoughts? Would I have to add more reps on the machine to equal the bar?

UL_heart_throb

Really sounds like you're trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. The overwhelming consensus is you can't replicate barbell bench pressing with the machine yet you are still asking how to do this.

leggit

no spotter? use dumbbells.

nice_guy80

dive bomb press ups

give them a go.

Mellor

Samich wrote: »

Any other thoughts? Would I have to add more reps on the machine to equal the bar?

No. They different movements. And the lever action on the machine can significantly reduce the load. Example here

jamarshad7411

If you are new in starting the exercise and want to maintain your weight and improve your muscles in good shape.you must follow up the trainer instructions.if you want to improve the chest figure quickly.chinup is best in growthup your chest instead of bench press...

Hanley

Are people reading this thread??

He's said he's very heavy, can bench 40ish kg but can do 14 push ups. He then went on to qualify and say he's not going as low as he should be.

It would be fairly logical to assume he's doing half push ups based off that no?

ANYWAY....

OP, but a tennis ball equidistant between your hands under you i nthe start position of a push up, go down til you touch that and back up, keep your hips, shoulders and knees in a line (ie don't just drop your chest to reach it)

See how many you can get done that way thru a full range of movement.

Red Cortina

With regard to machine vs barbell, last night I found it hard going to bench with just a 20kg barbell (yep, I have poor upper body strength!) but a few weeks ago I was benching with 40kg on a Smith machine and found it no bother. I had no idea just how hard those stabiliser muscles in your chest/shoulders work when you are benching.

john_cappa

Red Cortina wrote: »

With regard to machine vs barbell, last night I found it hard going to bench with just a 20kg barbell (yep, I have poor upper body strength!) but a few weeks ago I was benching with 40kg on a Smith machine and found it no bother. I had no idea just how hard those stabiliser muscles in your chest/shoulders work when you are benching.

Stick with it. It is alot about learning technique and gaining confidence.

Dont worry about the numbers!

rubadub

Hanley wrote: »

It would be fairly logical to assume he's doing half push ups based off that no?

Probably, but he is also brand new to benching. I have not benched in about a year, and not for months before that. I remember struggling with ~40kg when I gave it ago again, while I think I was doing dips with over 40kg added weight at the same time. The stabilisation is what gets me, just like if I give up ring dips for any length of time, I guess my numbers would have shot up after a few workouts.