Why is it that I can't bench press as much weight as I use on other loose weight machines?
540253
If your asking why you can't bench press the same amount of weight using a bar and free weights as apposed to a machine, the answer is most likely because machines have a set range of motion, and don't require as much stabilization muscle fibers as does free weights. Free weights don't have a set range of motion, so you end up using more muscle fibers and groups to stabilize the weight. Also, the bar itself adds weight.
307536
my friend has a bowflex machine and it works great.\n\nhe stays healthy AND fit!
204059
Try staying away from workout that require you to use both arms on the same bar such as bench press and do free weight exercises that allow you to make sure that each pec is carrying its own weight. You might want to try increase the weight on the arm with the smaller pec if the problem persists.
1061050
This site will show you how to properly bench press,also,it is a free site\n\nhttp://www.athletes.com/fun/exercises.php?MainMuscle=Chest
922269
this is my routine and iswear by it... i am able to put on 5 pounds every 1-2 weeks to my bench. do this every other day or 3-4 times a week\n\nbench 3x10\nincline 3x10\ndecline 3x10\nbutterflys 3x20\nplate raises 3x10\nupright row 3x20\nskull crushers 3x10\npreacher curls 3x10
337761
more than likely multiply the number by 10 so 5 = 50 lbs.  However if you are using a machine with multiple cables, ex. like a high cables and low cables both conected to the weights through pulleys.  It is possible the pulleys have certain amounts of resistance added because certain muscles are stronger than others, so the stronger muscles used in exercising with that cable need more weight.
58479
You have been given wrong advice, you should be using weights.  Just don't use heavy weight.  You should be using lighter weight for higher reps.  Ideally, do like 15 reps per exercise.  You can also use machines, like the nautilus or hammer strength or cybex machines that have a little stack of weights incorporated into the machine and you use a pin to adjust the weight.  Same rule, though.  Less weight, more repetitions.\nAnd you should be doing cardio as well.\nAnd you need to modify your diet as well.\nAll 3 elements are needed to tone your arms and other body parts, diet, weights and cardio.\nAlso, the fat in your arms is probably on the underside, in the area of the triceps.  This is a typical place for people, especially women, to collect fatty tissue.  I would suggest you speak with someone at your gym who can show you some different exercises.  You'll want to pick about 3-4 different exercises and do 3 sets of each, but for each set, you should be doing about 15 reps.
1132848
I love the elliptical machine so much I bought one!  :)  It really works on your gluts, and is a great all over workout since you can move your arms and your legs. \n\nFor weight machines, I don't know what it's called, but you're face down with your upper thighs being supported by a padded bar.  Then you're lifting weights with a bar that's on the back of your ankle by bending your knee.  Hope this helps!  Enjoy your workout.  :)
799367
Lifting weights without proper form compromises the end result of the exercise, also can lead to an injury,. Don't use as much weight only use as much as you can where you don't have to compromise the proper form.
1088423
All of them are good.  It depends on the muscles you want to work out more.  I generally do the regular bench press with a closer grip as well as the incline bench press.  The incline bench press (your head is above your legs) will work your shoulders as well as your chest.  The decline bench press (with your head below your legs) will work your upper chest more.  The close grip bench press will work out your triceps a bit more.  The regular bench press basically works out your chest and a bit of your triceps/biceps (like a push-up).  Try mixing up which type of bench press you do every six to eight weeks, so your body doesn't get used to the routine (this will lead to better results).
887652
Your anterior deltoids (front part of shoulders) should get work a little, but it shouldn't support the bulk of the weight. For bench, you probably have a wider grip, which utilizes the shoulders more. Trying making it more narrow and see if that helps. Also, when doing flys, do them with your palms facing directly away from you (such that when you touch the dumbells at the top they face together). Try keeping them lower on your body as well. That should put more emphasis on your chest.
584027
try doing more reps at the "plateau" and eventually you will get over it. also try other exercises to strengthen the muscles you use in benching.
34371
Of course you can.  You don't need fancy machinery to get an effective weight training workout at home.  Therabands, small dumbells, and a variety of fitness DVDs can help guide you through safe and effective strength and conditioning exercises in your own home.\n\nhttp://www.preventdisease.com/fitness/Strength_Exercises.html\n\nhttp://www.preventdisease.com/news/articles/find_workout_without_fancy_machinery.shtml
506165
It sounds like you have the right idea with wanting to keep the price down.  Often people want to start working out and they spend lots of money buying equipment, and then they stop working out a week later.  Don't let anybody fool you, weights are weights... it doens't matter what brand.  If I were you, I would go to garage sales or to Wal-Mart until I found the cheapest "basic" set possible.  A bench press and leg press (like you spoke about,) will do just fine at first.  Or get a membership to a gym, and try it out for a month or two before you buy any equipment (make sure you go to a gym that does NOT make you sign a contract) They do that because they know the majority of people stop working out after a week, and then you're stuck making payments to them for a year.  After you've worked out for a while then, maybe go get a weight set with all of the features on it.  I think you'll do just fine.  Keep up the motivation and remember that it takes time.
343888
Obviously, more reps at less weight is the way to go.  But, also try lifting in ways that stretches the entire muscle, causes the muscle to repeatedly stabelize itself, and also excercises the small supporting muscles around the main one.  Give up on those planar-type lifts and manuevers, and instead increase your range with a twist or a turn.
231804
As long as you do some form of resistance training with your diet and cardio then you will loose inches but remember muscle is heavier than fat so do not be concerned with weight just look at the results in the mirror. \n\nYou do not have to restrict your resistance training to the gym. To break up the monotony, in the summer, i bring dumbbells to the track with me and utilize them in many ways like walking the bleachers with them, 100 yard walking squats etc. also, there are a ton of things you can do with your own body weight at the track. You could also bring one of them large balls with you and do dumbbell flies, shoulder presses, bench presses on it, the list goes on just use your imagination.\n\nDon’t worry about what you look like doing that because everyone usually compliments you on how hard that looks and will usually inquire as to what you are doing so give it a try in the spring.
684845
Depends on your muscle mass. It would be nice if you could bench your bodyweight.