# Why can I bench-press more weight on a machine vs. free w **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 21, 2005, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-i-bench-press-more-weight-on-a-machine-vs-free-w/327348 "2005-10-21T22:42:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![jimpatro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b9e5f3/32.png) [@jimpatro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jimpatro)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2005, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-i-bench-press-more-weight-on-a-machine-vs-free-w/327348/21 "2005-10-22T16:38:34Z")
> [@](#): > > When I bench press with a barbell, I have to worry about the bar moving in three “axis” (I can drop it on my chest, I can drop it to the side (or down on my stomach), or I can twist it). When I bench press on a Smith machine, I only have to worry about dropping it on my chest. The muscles that I’d use to keep from dropping the weight to the side or twisting are not used. Right and these extra muscles are employed _isometrically_ which is of negligible consequence to strength or size. ---
**Author:** ![ultrafilter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/3d9bf3/32.png) [@ultrafilter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ultrafilter)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2005, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-i-bench-press-more-weight-on-a-machine-vs-free-w/327348/22 "2005-10-22T16:42:01Z")
> [@jimpatro](#): > > Right and these extra muscles are employed _isometrically_ which is of negligible consequence to strength or size. Isometrics are great for strength because they allow for much higher recruitment of muscle fibers. Furthermore, if your local musclular system (the stabilizers we’re talking about here) isn’t up to snuff, your in-gym strength gains aren’t going to have as much carry over into the real world. ---
**Author:** ![BMax](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bmax/32/4267_2.png) [@BMax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMax)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2005, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-i-bench-press-more-weight-on-a-machine-vs-free-w/327348/23 "2005-10-22T17:04:12Z")
I like free weights because I can work out at my house without spending a grand on a machine. Yes, I work out to look good. ---
**Author:** ![jimpatro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b9e5f3/32.png) [@jimpatro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jimpatro)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2005, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-i-bench-press-more-weight-on-a-machine-vs-free-w/327348/24 "2005-10-22T17:50:12Z")
But you’re still working out. Some folks snazz up their car or their yard or their dog. For some reason they aren’t supposed to make their bodies look good. Beats the hell out of me. Maybe it’s the macho types who think strength or fighting ability is the only excuse. Or maybe it’s the couch potatoes who feel you shouldn’t look better than them. Those who work out, for whatever reason, should be respected. It ain’t easy. Rant over. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Chairman\_Pow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/838e76/32.png) [@Chairman\_Pow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chairman_Pow)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2005, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-i-bench-press-more-weight-on-a-machine-vs-free-w/327348/25 "2005-10-22T22:57:06Z")
> [@](#): > > The estrogen suggestion was to counter Spartydog’s testosterone surplus. Yes. The smiley face was to make it a joke. However, technically estrogen doesn’t negate testosterone (or other androgens), so… :dubious: > [@jimpatro](#): > > But you’re still working out. Nobody has said that working out to look good is bad. Nobody has said that the only reason one should work out is to increase their functional strength/fighting ability. At worst, **Dog** is guilty of a poorly chosen analogy. ---
**Author:** ![jimpatro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b9e5f3/32.png) [@jimpatro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jimpatro)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2005, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-i-bench-press-more-weight-on-a-machine-vs-free-w/327348/26 "2005-10-23T17:46:25Z")
True about the estrogen of course, just engaging in a bit of hyperbole. > [@](#): > > As examples, see about half of the big buff gymbunny contestants on any given Survivor (Osten, I’m lookin’ at you!) who burn out after 10 days or so because their muscles are optimized for lookin’ reeeaaaall good. > [@](#): > > Everyone should do some kind of strength training. Bodybuilding, however, is some kind of weird contridiction. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-can-i-bench-press-more-weight-on-a-machine-vs-free-w/327348.md?page=1)