Posted: 10/21/2005 10:43:48 AM EDT
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I have always HATED bench press! Don't really know why. I always lift alone and really like the Hammer Strength bench press/dip apparatus. One side has a bench and the other side can be used as a seated dip machine. My question is this. If I can bench 300 lbs on this machine, am I REALLY benching 300? You use free weights but do not have each arm "isolated" as on a regular bench. Can I say "I bench 300." OR should it be "I bench 300 on a Hammerstrength." I lift at weird hours so there is very rarely anyone else there so I really don't have a spotter. I'll be the first to say this is an ego thing! |
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I'd say no. I use a seated military press machine to do some overhead work. I can do 200 for reps on it. I will be the first to tell you, I can't even get close to 200 for one on an open bar. From my experience opn bar is around 75% of machines. Now my disclaimer. This is me, and it is overhead work. This does not apply to all. Try benching with dumbells. The percentages are reversed with dumbells. Dumbells are harder. |
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I don't think a hammer strength 300 translates to a barbell 300. As machines go though, hammer makes some of the best. If all you are worried about is the spotting issue, then like 338winmag stated, you could use dumbbells or do some overhead work. You could also press in a power rack and set the pins so that the weight wouldn't crush you if you dropped it. Consider incorporating some free weights into your pressing routine even if you don't drop the hammer strength. Brian |