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#1
03-09-2007, 03:35 PM
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Universal vs. Free Weight Bench Press
I moved to a new apartment and they have a pretty nice little weight room, so because of the convenience I've decided to use that instead of going to a real gym. It's pretty nice actually, although as one might expect it's all universal machines and no free weights.
I've been lifting weights off-and-on for a long time, but this is the first time I've ever used a universal bench press (You sit straight up and push the handles forward and it lifts up a pullied sled of weights). The weight seems a little heavier on a universal than on a free weight bench. I'm guessing some power is lost in the increased friction, but gained in not having to use stabilizer muscles. If I can rack out 200lbs on this machine, is that comparable to something like 215 or 220 on a proper bench? Is anyone familiar with these machines? 
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#2
03-09-2007, 03:37 PM
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Re: Universal vs. Free Weight Bench Press
Use free weights unless you are absolutely forced to do otherwise. End of thread.
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#4
03-09-2007, 03:44 PM
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Re: Universal vs. Free Weight Bench Press
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ] Use free weights unless you are absolutely forced to do otherwise. End of thread. [/ QUOTE ] Why? [/ QUOTE ] Because free weights force the lifter, rather than the machine, to stabilize the weight. Also, the "universal bench press machine" referenced in the OP forces you to move the weight in sub-optimal trajectory. A proper bench press should have an arc-shaped path, not a straight line. Edited to add: This is one of the few areas where virtually all serious weightlifters are in agreement. Free weight exercises should always be the core of your routine, with maybe a couple of machine exercises thrown in there.
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#6
03-09-2007, 03:52 PM
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Re: Universal vs. Free Weight Bench Press
[ QUOTE ]
If I can rack out 200lbs on this machine, is that comparable to something like 215 or 220 on a proper bench? Is anyone familiar with these machines? [/ QUOTE ] No. Yes. I usually leave towels and bottles on them.
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#7
03-09-2007, 03:58 PM
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Re: Universal vs. Free Weight Bench Press
[ QUOTE ]
Use free weights unless you are absolutely forced to do otherwise. End of thread. [/ QUOTE ] Given the alternatives and my living situation, I'm pretty much sticking with this for a while. I definately like free weights better, but right now I want the convenience. Just wondering how close they are, and if this machine will keep my free weight bench "warm" for the next couple months.
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#8
03-09-2007, 04:05 PM
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Re: Universal vs. Free Weight Bench Press
I'm not a serious avid lifter, but I can tell you that I very much would rather use the free weights. I'm currently using an universal type machine now since that's all they have at the gym at my office, and I feel that when I get back to using free weights I will have gone down in my bench.
No scientific data to back this up though, just a feeling.
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#9
03-09-2007, 04:25 PM
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Re: Universal vs. Free Weight Bench Press
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ] A proper bench press should have an arc-shaped path, not a straight line. [/ QUOTE ] This is very debatable and not factual at all. [/ QUOTE ] no its a fact
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#10
03-09-2007, 04:33 PM
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Re: Universal vs. Free Weight Bench Press
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ] A proper bench press should have an arc-shaped path, not a straight line. [/ QUOTE ] This is very debatable and not factual at all. [/ QUOTE ] You might be right about that. Regardless, free weights are much better.
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