workout question: universal machines

[rh71]

For the bench press on a universal machine, do you consider the weight of the bar + what the plates are marked ? Makes sense, just wanted to be sure. The first plate is marked 20 but they are 10lb increments so I was confused. I don't think those bars (between a U / V shape) are standard 45lbs either...

I can't seem to figure out what my total bench weight is...

 

[91TTZ]

Not at all. Free weight are the only true way to tell.

Also, even free weights supported by a rail won't give you an accurate result since it eliminates the need for supporting muscles.

Try benching dumbells and feel how they want to fall all over the place in every direction.

 

[91TTZ]

By the way, we had a "free weight" bench at my last job that wasn't totally legit. For one, the bar was counterbalanced, and for another the rails kept the freeweights moving in a perfect 90 degree inclination. I was able to do 315 lbs on that and there's no possible way that I can bench that much. I've consistently been stuck at around 275 (I suck at flat bench). Without the weight of the bar and without you needing to balance anything, it gives you bogus results.

 

[rh71]

I haven't benched since middle school and that was when I was real scrawny and could only do the bar. 10+ years later, I'm pretty sure I can do 100+ lbs but since I'm pacing myself - I'm doing at least 4 sets... I seem to be getting a nice workout (tiresome toward the last set) with the pin at 70lbs (10 reps each set). I don't know what the bar weighs but I'll be damned if I'm getting tired at only 70lbs worth of bricks. That's why I really want to try and figure this out...

 

[vi edit]

Hell, even going from dumbell bench to barbell bench yields some pretty crazy results for me. I can can barbell bench about 180, but I'm lucky to be able to put up 140 with dumbells.

I've got the long gangly arm curse

 

[Koing]

Typical OL bar is 20Kg but that is made to 45lbs for you yanks

On a machine the bar more or less weighs the same or is slightly less.

Don't worry vi_edit DB bench press is harder then a barbell due to more control needed and your muscles aren't working together to control the bar. BUT you can improve it quite easily by just ditching the barbell bench press and only using DB for a while.

My BP isn't great either

Koing