Hammer Strength v. Barbells
WhiteRabbit1313
Posts: 1,091 Member
Would I be correct in assuming that a traditional barbell bench press and an Incline bench press works more muscles than any Hammer Strength "machine"?
Just a note: my goal is overall esthetics, so I'm wanting the most results for my effort.
Just a note: my goal is overall esthetics, so I'm wanting the most results for my effort.
0
Replies
-
Yes you are correct.
With barbells (i.e. free weights) you use a lot more muscles to stabilize the load that you don't get with machines.
That's not saying that machines don't have a place in lifting. Once I'm done with my main lifts I use machines to isolate a bit and as a safey factor if I'm fatigued.0 -
Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Because I don't have to balance the bar, or really engage my core, I figured it was too good to be true. haha!0
-
If you have a choice between barbell and machines, choose barbell. If you have a choice between machines and nothing, choose machines. IMHO.0
-
If machines are all you have you're still doing good. I can usually do double the weight on a machine than I could with the bar. So if you do have a go, don't try to lift the same weight bar as you've been doing, it would get messy
0 -
If you have a choice between barbell and machines, choose barbell. If you have a choice between machines and nothing, choose machines. IMHO.
Yeah, I was thinking HS might be a good substitute when I don't have a spotter, but I don't want to depend on the HS machines too much.0 -
If machines are all you have you're still doing good. I can usually do double the weight on a machine than I could with the bar. So if you do have a go, don't try to lift the same weight bar as you've been doing, it would get messy
Lol! That's what "The Google" said, too. :laugh:0 -
Hammer Strength plate loaded machines have different movement designs that the selectorized plate machines. They are designed to match more closely the body's natural arcs of movement and not to be as isolating as selectorized pieces. They are a step up from selectorized pieces, but they still feature a machine-defined path of motion, rather than user-defined.0
-
If you have a choice between barbell and machines, choose barbell. If you have a choice between machines and nothing, choose machines. IMHO.
Yeah, I was thinking HS might be a good substitute when I don't have a spotter, but I don't want to depend on the HS machines too much.
use the power rack for safety rails
learn the "Roll of Shame"
don't use collars so you can side ways dump the bar.
I never lift with a spotter- I will ask for one- or I will go set up for bench in the power rack.0 -
"don't use collars so you can side ways dump the bar."
I didn't think of that?! Have you had to do that many times?
(I jacked up the quotes. Woops!)0 -
Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Because I don't have to balance the bar, or really engage my core, I figured it was too good to be true. haha!
Because of their design, on a number of HS pieces you can modify the movement to make them more "ground based" and include more core involvement. However, most of the machines were designed well before the invention of cable functional trainers and things like TRX that can do the job just as well and are more versatile.0 -
"don't use collars so you can side ways dump the bar."
I didn't think of that?! Have you had to do that many times?
(I jacked up the quotes. Woops!)
I always do this when I'm benching alone now - the roll of shame is just too sore 0 -
I use both to mix up my workouts... I do Barbell Flat Bench and Incline Bench and then I will do HS Incline Press later to burn out. They are both great, although if I had to choose just one I would go for free weights any day of the week!0
-
"don't use collars so you can side ways dump the bar."
I didn't think of that?! Have you had to do that many times?
(I jacked up the quotes. Woops!)
no- it's not the best way to do it- and I have bad elbows- so dropping the bar on one side loads the bar heavily on the eblow- not ideal.
Plus you wind up potentially flinging weights- it's an OPTION- but unless you are isolated/alone- I don't think it's the BEST option.
Spotter
Bench with rails
Roll of shame
dump on side
I will roll of shame or just ask for a spotter- benching is not my strong suit because of elbows- so I tend to stay lighter than I can actually press- so I dont' wind up in a place where I run the risk of dumping often- about the time where I get to weight that threatens my threshold- my elbow starts to flare and give me pain- so right now- I'm trapped in this stupid endless cycle of 135/145 and going no where.
Remember roll of shame- not comfortable but you won't die- typically an average male weighs more than that- so even if you have to roll 150-200#'s its' going to be uncomfortable- but you'll be fine.0 -
"don't use collars so you can side ways dump the bar."
I didn't think of that?! Have you had to do that many times?
(I jacked up the quotes. Woops!)
no- it's not the best way to do it- and I have bad elbows- so dropping the bar on one side loads the bar heavily on the eblow- not ideal.
Plus you wind up potentially flinging weights- it's an OPTION- but unless you are isolated/alone- I don't think it's the BEST option.
Spotter
Bench with rails
Roll of shame
dump on side
I will roll of shame or just ask for a spotter- benching is not my strong suit because of elbows- so I tend to stay lighter than I can actually press- so I dont' wind up in a place where I run the risk of dumping often- about the time where I get to weight that threatens my threshold- my elbow starts to flare and give me pain- so right now- I'm trapped in this stupid endless cycle of 135/145 and going no where.
Remember roll of shame- not comfortable but you won't die- typically an average male weighs more than that- so even if you have to roll 150-200#'s its' going to be uncomfortable- but you'll be fine.
Oh, I have no issue doing the "roll of shame," but my mind refused to accept that I was not going to finish the rep. By that time, the roll would have went across my face. :laugh:
I'm benching a mere 60 lbs. (or attempted a second set of 60 lb. reps), so asking for a spotter seems really cheesy, but I'll do that, too. I figured "this day" was coming. I'll also check into benching in a cage, if I can't find a spotter.
0 -
I use both to mix up my workouts... I do Barbell Flat Bench and Incline Bench and then I will do HS Incline Press later to burn out. They are both great, although if I had to choose just one I would go for free weights any day of the week!
Yep. I tend to be a purist, until I learn reasons not to be, so I'm likely to stick with free weights...until I don't. haha!0 -
Oh, I have no issue doing the "roll of shame," but my mind refused to accept that I was not going to finish the rep. By that time, the roll would have went across my face. :laugh:
I'm benching a mere 60 lbs. (or attempted a second set of 60 lb. reps), so asking for a spotter seems really cheesy, but I'll do that, too. I figured "this day" was coming. I'll also check into benching in a cage, if I can't find a spotter.
if 60 is your working weight it is what it is. if 75 is pushing your one rep max- ask for a spotter.
They don't know you- and it doesn't matter.
Heavy is a rep range- not a number. Don't forget that. not cheesy- it's smart. You can make a joke- and say sorry I know it's not much but it's what I'm working- can you just give me a quick spot. It is what it is.
I have to ask for a spot- and I think my weight is lame- but guess what- spotter less lame than failing said 'lame' number lift.
If you think asking for a spotter on 60 lbs is cheesy- how cheesy do you think you will feel if you fail and someone comes over to unpin you from under it? Trust me asking for a spotter to save you from that embarrassment is way easier than getting pinned under a weight that isn't 'THAT' heavy. LOL
<ask me how I know>
LOL0 -
Oh, I have no issue doing the "roll of shame," but my mind refused to accept that I was not going to finish the rep. By that time, the roll would have went across my face. :laugh:
I'm benching a mere 60 lbs. (or attempted a second set of 60 lb. reps), so asking for a spotter seems really cheesy, but I'll do that, too. I figured "this day" was coming. I'll also check into benching in a cage, if I can't find a spotter.
if 60 is your working weight it is what it is. if 75 is pushing your one rep max- ask for a spotter.
They don't know you- and it doesn't matter.
Heavy is a rep range- not a number. Don't forget that. not cheesy- it's smart. You can make a joke- and say sorry I know it's not much but it's what I'm working- can you just give me a quick spot. It is what it is.
I have to ask for a spot- and I think my weight is lame- but guess what- spotter less lame than failing said 'lame' number lift.
If you think asking for a spotter on 60 lbs is cheesy- how cheesy do you think you will feel if you fail and someone comes over to unpin you from under it? Trust me asking for a spotter to save you from that embarrassment is way easier than getting pinned under a weight that isn't 'THAT' heavy. LOL
<ask me how I know>
LOL
Lmao!!! :laugh: I know. That would suck, and it ALMOST happened! I truly get that. You're right, asking for help isn't as ridiculous as failing poorly is. Anyway, I've doubled my weights on BP in 1.5 months, so that's something. It was a proud day, for me, when I was able to use the Oly bar...by itself. haha! :happy:0 -
rock your socks off sista!!!
and set up the power rack LOL
congrats on getting to the bar and beyond!!!
0 -
rock your socks off sista!!!
and set up the power rack LOL
congrats on getting to the bar and beyond!!!
Thanks! :drinker:0 -
I get distracted using the weight machines - maybe because they face each other or maybe because you sit down for most of them but when I use free weights or barbells, I am more focused and can set a better intention for my workout.0
-
I'm benching a mere 60 lbs. (or attempted a second set of 60 lb. reps), so asking for a spotter seems really cheesy, but I'll do that, too. I figured "this day" was coming. I'll also check into benching in a cage, if I can't find a spotter.
Reaffirming that it's not cheesy. Not cheesy at all. You know what is cheesy? The Bro that thinks he's a hero and tries to bench more than he can handle without a spotter. Also, anyone that doesn't pay attention while spotting - just because (s)he can bench 200.0 -
Barbell bench press is one of those exercises that people die from. Generally because when they unrack the bar, they place the bar over their neck and not chest.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2198165/Christopher-Bailey-Fitness-fanatic-crushed-death-40kg-barbell-fell-neck-tried-work-out.html0 -
If you have a choice between barbell and machines, choose barbell. If you have a choice between machines and nothing, choose machines. IMHO.
Yeah, I was thinking HS might be a good substitute when I don't have a spotter, but I don't want to depend on the HS machines too much.
If you have access to a power rack, you can do all lifts safely without a spotter. I work out alone, and I just drag a flat bench from the dumbbell area over to the rack and bench there.0 -
I get distracted using the weight machines - maybe because they face each other or maybe because you sit down for most of them but when I use free weights or barbells, I am more focused and can set a better intention for my workout.
That also makes sense. I could see that.0 -
Barbell bench press is one of those exercises that people die from. Generally because when they unrack the bar, they place the bar over their neck and not chest.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2198165/Christopher-Bailey-Fitness-fanatic-crushed-death-40kg-barbell-fell-neck-tried-work-out.html
LOL, what?!
I hardly compare to this pot-smoking, drunk who decided to lift weights one night. What a dumb way to die!
That article didn't support your assertion, AT ALL! However, it was entertaining. :laugh:
In case you're concerned, though, I researched form and continue to focus on form...benching above your neck wouldn't work the appropriate muscles for this exercise or provide proper center of gravity for you to lift effectively, anyway.
I don't know why I'm responding to this...:ohwell:
That's funny, though!0 -
If you have a choice between barbell and machines, choose barbell. If you have a choice between machines and nothing, choose machines. IMHO.
Yeah, I was thinking HS might be a good substitute when I don't have a spotter, but I don't want to depend on the HS machines too much.
If you have access to a power rack, you can do all lifts safely without a spotter. I work out alone, and I just drag a flat bench from the dumbbell area over to the rack and bench there.
I'm going to take a look around tomorrow when I'm in the gym. If nothing, else, because I'm there so late (like 10 p.m.), I'll just make one of the staff members spot me if there's no one to help. I'd like to use the power rack, though!0 -
"don't use collars so you can side ways dump the bar."
I didn't think of that?! Have you had to do that many times?
(I jacked up the quotes. Woops!)
For safety reasons I never lift with collars unless it is DL's and Power Cleans for the simple fact of being able to dump the load. If the bar is straight then there is really not a need for collars. I saw a very stupid guy the other day put collars on the smith machine.. *smh. I mean WTH... why in the world would you need collars on the smith machine?!?!?0 -
"don't use collars so you can side ways dump the bar."
I didn't think of that?! Have you had to do that many times?
(I jacked up the quotes. Woops!)
For safety reasons I never lift with collars unless it is DL's and Power Cleans for the simple fact of being able to dump the load. If the bar is straight then there is really not a need for collars. I saw a very stupid guy the other day put collars on the smith machine.. *smh. I mean WTH... why in the world would you need collars on the smith machine?!?!?
LOL! Why do we newbs do any of the dumb stuff that we do? Because we're ignorant. :laugh:
I've never thought of the collars presenting a safety issue, but it certainly makes sense. At first, I was so unbalanced, I figured I needed them, so I just have always used them. However, a back up fail safe is attractive to me.0 -
"don't use collars so you can side ways dump the bar."
I didn't think of that?! Have you had to do that many times?
(I jacked up the quotes. Woops!)
For safety reasons I never lift with collars unless it is DL's and Power Cleans for the simple fact of being able to dump the load. If the bar is straight then there is really not a need for collars. I saw a very stupid guy the other day put collars on the smith machine.. *smh. I mean WTH... why in the world would you need collars on the smith machine?!?!?
LOL! Why do we newbs do any of the dumb stuff that we do? Because we're ignorant. :laugh:
I've never thought of the collars presenting a safety issue, but it certainly makes sense. At first, I was so unbalanced, I figured I needed them, so I just have always used them. However, a back up fail safe is attractive to me.
I think we all do that at first... not calling anyone out for that. What I was calling out was the guy putting the collars on the Smith Machine... HA!!!0 -
"don't use collars so you can side ways dump the bar."
I didn't think of that?! Have you had to do that many times?
(I jacked up the quotes. Woops!)
For safety reasons I never lift with collars unless it is DL's and Power Cleans for the simple fact of being able to dump the load. If the bar is straight then there is really not a need for collars. I saw a very stupid guy the other day put collars on the smith machine.. *smh. I mean WTH... why in the world would you need collars on the smith machine?!?!?
LOL! Why do we newbs do any of the dumb stuff that we do? Because we're ignorant. :laugh:
I've never thought of the collars presenting a safety issue, but it certainly makes sense. At first, I was so unbalanced, I figured I needed them, so I just have always used them. However, a back up fail safe is attractive to me.
I think we all do that at first... not calling anyone out for that. What I was calling out was the guy putting the collars on the Smith Machine... HA!!!
I'm going to secretly giggle about that one when I see it. Although, I know I've put collars on the 2.5 plates. God, wouldn't want to drop "all that weight." LOL!0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 394.1K Introduce Yourself
- 43.9K Getting Started
- 260.4K Health and Weight Loss
- 176.1K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.6K Fitness and Exercise
- 437 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.6K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153.1K Motivation and Support
- 8.1K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.4K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.9K MyFitnessPal Information
- 15 News and Announcements
- 1.2K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.7K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions