QUESTION: Pulley systems

CharlieCharlie007

Now, I am sure this has to do with torque or some such, but.....Why is the actual weight that you lift so different than the actual weight of the stacks. For instance, I do pull down floor bench, 200 pounds on both sides, for a total of 400 pounds. It feels like a total of 160, which is about right for me. Why the difference, and would it not be more practical to label the weights at what they are practically(the weight you actually lift) rather than literally?

lorrpb

Even when using dB or bb the weight feels different depending on the exercise. You may need different weight for bp vs incline vs decline because of the different angles because x pounds doesn’t always feel the same.

CharlieCharlie007

I understand that, but there is no way I am pulling 400 pounds. No matter what angle I use.

lorrpb

See if this helps.
https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=152088393&page=1
https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=860994&page=1
https://breakingmuscle.com/fitness/why-the-numbers-on-weight-machines-are-a-lie

h7463

There is usually a conversion chart to go along with pulley systems that are hooked to the same weight stacks. The actual weight that you are pulling is different with each attachment point. Any little home gym comes with a sheet in the instructions for that.
Otherwise, you'd have to do some serious math, and start calculating around the number of pulleys between the weight stacks and your attachment.
Good luck!