QOTW - 12/6 - Is the Smith Machine Bench The Best Replacement for Bench Press?

[BendtheBar]

I thought I would start a question of the week series. Hope you all don't mind.

QOTW - 12/6/10

Is the Smith Machine Bench The Best Replacement for Bench Press?

A common scenario I am presented with is this...Lifter A has no access to a flat bench or decent spotter at his gym, but there is a Smith Machine available.

Should he use the Smith Machine for bench presses? And is the Smith Machine the best suitable replacement for bench, or is there a more effective exercise? And Why?

[MikeC]

I don't think Smith machine is the next best choice. I would recommend dumbbell bench press next, and then dips. I think you need a power free weight exercise first.

[glwanabe]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

Is the Smith Machine Bench The Best Replacement for Bench Press?


1. Should he use the Smith Machine for bench presses?

2. Is the Smith Machine the best suitable replacement for bench.

3. Is there a more effective exercise? And Why?[/B]

1. Should and Can are the questions to be answered.

Should you use it? Not if you have the ability to perform dumbell bench of barbell bench in place of Smith machine work.

Can you use it. Yes, you can use it, but it is not the same as free weights, and IMO, dumbell bench beats it.

2. Covered already. However you can also include dips as a better alternative to the Smith machine. Given the choice between only doing Smith machine bench style work or perfoming dips, I would choose dips.

3. This has been covered for the most part. I will always choose a free weight movement to a machine movement.