Hammer Strengh Machines...?

[BigMikeD]

Hey guys,

I have just recently gotten back into heavy lifting and I was wondering what you guys think of the hammer strength machines. (I believe) most gyms carry them.

(In case you are unfamiliar Hammer Strength : Life Fitness : Commercial)

I do my workouts alone and am always paranoid about not having a spotter... I tend to go a bit lighter then i should just for that reason. I am thinking of switching all of my bench work over to the Hammer Strengths...

Also, the idea of being able to work "to failure" sounds better then racking when i think that i just pushed the last rep that I could.

Anyone have any thoughts?

[Renegade68]

Nothing is ever the same as free weights. Machines can be useful, but its alot better to just ask someone for a spot, and do your heavy lifting with free weights.

[BigMikeD]

Originally Posted by Renegade68

Nothing is ever the same as free weights. Machines can be useful, but its alot better to just ask someone for a spot, and do your heavy lifting with free weights.

just for the sake of asking, do you have expiearance with the hammer strengths or are you just speaking about machines in general?

The only reason i even asked was because i see a lot of the supper big dudes on them, so i thought there might be something to it.

[Noir]

I like the hammer strength ground based jammer machine. I'm not sure how good it is for powerlifting / strongman though.

[TRACE]

I have used the Hammer machines but I prefer free weights on most everything.
The shoulder press, high row and low row are some good ones though but for benching I use a bench

[Renegade68]

Originally Posted by BigMikeD

just for the sake of asking, do you have expiearance with the hammer strengths or are you just speaking about machines in general?

The only reason i even asked was because i see a lot of the supper big dudes on them, so i thought there might be something to it.

We have them in the gym I go to......I've used them. But not as the primary focus. I may jump on one at the end of a workout to finish off chest. Its just my OPINION that free weights can't be beat. I've never been turned down when asking for a spot - so I just find someone who looks/acts competent, tell them exactly what I'm looking for and press on.

[kovalaybolt17]

ya freeweights are best but from my experience hammer strength machines are the best machines you can use. there still no substitute for free weight though. i dont even think ive used a machine in the last 5 or so months

[2leanforamachine]

Hammer strength is some of the best equipment around. You wont get any machines better. I train on hammer strength. I still do all my free weight exercises, but hammer strength also make bench & racks too. They have a great range of back exercise machines.... especially their lat pull down (plate loaded).

[joemomma]

As far as machines go, HS is probably the best. My gym has the iso-lateral incline, decline, and several others from them, plus the racks and benches are all HS. But, as others have mentioned, there is no substitute for free weights. Just ask for a spot!

[ambientdeath]

If you workout at home, then I understand.

But if you go to a gym, I would definitely ask someone for a spot. I've never been turned down. Just be sure to explain what you want, some people like very very little help until they explode and others like to be a little safer.