According to Arnold Schwarzenegger in "The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding," the bench press is the single most important exercise for building the chest. If you want to build an impressive, chiseled chest -- just like creating a marble...
Many machines are advertised as being better than free weights, but when you perform the same lift using a barbell, much to your dismay you cannot lift as much. While machines may provide overload at certain points during the lift, this does not...
Universal exercise machines provide several exercise stations in one compact area, saving you valuable floor space in your home. Most universal exercise machines have a chest press station; although the pressing movement is similar to that of a...
A smith machine is used for various strength-training exercises, including the bench press. This machine is different from a free weight bench press in that the bar is held in a fixed position by supporting racks, and a bench can be moved in or...
Both the free weight and machine bench press can help add size, strength and definition to the chest muscles. Free weights offer greater use of stabilizing muscles while machines can increase safety and promote better isolation of the targeted...
Bench press machines include the seated chest press, decline press and incline press. Although not as popular, there are also lying versions of these machines. Free weight bench presses include lying flat, incline and decline presses done with...
Debate over the use of weight machines or free weights takes place on a daily basis. The truth is, both types of equipment offer you favorable results, provided you use them with good form. The American Council on Exercise notes that machines tend...
While bench press machine weights may seem easy and convenient to use, they may not be as effective as you might think. Some fitness experts, such as those at AskMen.com, argue that they not only give you a lesser workout than free weights, but...
The bench press can be a difficult and dangerous lift whether you are an experienced or novice bodybuilder. Even if performed with the help of a spotter, there are a number of possible scenarios that may result in an unsupported barbell landing on...
In weight lifting, a bench buddy, or spotter, works to keep you safe while you lift. When you try to exceed the amount of weight you know you can press, a spotter helps with the weight in case your muscles fatigue too quickly and you find you...
The Bench Press is a multi-joint exercise commonly used to strengthen the muscles of the chest, the anterior deltoids and the triceps. Most heavy bench press sessions are done with a spotter or a Smith machine to reduce the chance of injury. If...
Strengthen the muscles of the chest using free weights or the support of a Smith machine. The Smith machine offers you the stability of a selectorized machine with the same muscle mechanics of a free weight bench press. Although the Smith machine...
Weight loss is a delicate balance of calories in and calories out. You can increase your calories out through strength-training exercises in which you expend energy to perform the movements. Weight-training also increases your muscle tissue and...
Bodybuilding is more than simply lifting weights. It is the pursuit of hypertrophy, which is the increase of muscle tissue and size. Weight machines are popular among bodybuilders because they place the body in a stable position and allow for...
Exercises performed with gym machines can offer muscle isolation, energy conservation, increased range of motion and the ability to do more repetitions of better quality than freestyle, according to professional bodybuilder Mike Matarazzo. Proper...
Most gyms have at least one Smith machine, a barbell trapped between vertical or near-vertical rails. The rails limit the bar to moving in only one plane of motion, so there's little to no risk of losing control of the weight. Safety pegs spaced...
Just because you're a woman doesn't mean you can't hit the gym with the big guys. While women can perform any exercise that a man can, Ashlee Green, AFAA Group Exercise instructor with BodyBuilding.com, recommends starting with a few basic...
Working out your upper chest can add muscle definition and help keep your chest from sagging. More specifically, the exercise targets your pectoralis major muscle while also secondarily targeting your pec minor, triceps and shoulder muscles. One...
Pectoral machine exercises are an effective alternative to pectoral free-weight exercises. Working your pecs with a machine is a good idea if you are new to exercise because they allow you to develop strength and control for more advanced...
There are multiple exercises to choose from once you walk into a gym. You will find free weights such as dumbbells and barbells, weight machines and various pieces of balance equipment. Pick a muscle group and choose equipment that you want to use...
The Weider E8000 is a small home gym system. Weider no longer produces this model, although you may find used units for sale. The E8000 is unique because it offers a cardio machine built into the gym. A stepper station sits on one side of the unit...
As of 2011, Schwinn no longer provides support or parts for the Home Trainer 731. This is an older home gym that is not available new, but you may still find used units for sale. The 731 has five exercise stations for a full-body workout; however,...
The deadlift weightlifting exercise primarily targets the lower back muscles, while the bench press mainly targets the chest, or pectoral, muscles. In addition to the lower-back core muscles, deadlifts also provide strength conditioning to several...
The Smith machine is a versatile piece of strength-training equipment. Use the Smith machine with a weight bench to strengthen your upper and lower body. Increase your safety during bench-press exercises by setting the machine to stop the bar...
The chest can be challenging to train correctly because of its complexity; it consists of two big muscle groups: the pectoralis major on top and pectoralis minor on the bottom. In the gym, men often spend the majority of their time targeting their...
Chest presses are an effective exercise for several muscle groups in the upper body. They target the chest, triceps and front shoulder muscles. Doing different varieties of the chest press exercise will provide freshness to your routine. You can...
Workout equipment names usually reflect their function, which include flexion, extension, abduction, adduction and rotation. The words "press," "pull" and "curl" sometimes substitute for flexion and extension. Examples include the lat pull-down...
Many weightlifters prefer to train their chest and triceps on the same day. When you perform triceps exercises before you train your chest, you may need to reduce the amount of weight that you use during your chest routine. Do 10 repetitions for...
When you are looking to gain muscle, add weight training to your workout routine and make changes to your diet. Resistance training may increase endurance and strength, but eating more calories and protein can help your body build muscle mass....
Strengthen your muscles with barbell presses on a declined bench. Learn tips and techniques for working out the chest, back, shoulders, and arms in this weightlifting video.
Working out the chest with decline bench presses. Learn tips and techniques for working out the chest, back, shoulders, and arms in this weightlifting video.
Using the Smith Machine to get a good workout. Learn what the Smith Machine is and how it can keep the body fit in this training video.
Do an isolated bench press to strengthen the upper body. Learn tips and techniques for working out the chest, back, shoulders, and arms in this weightlifting video.
