Theoretical question

[gulfcoast]

Probably catch some grief for asking but oh well.

It has probably been 10+ years since I tried to see what my flat bench max was. Have avoided flat bench barbell all these years because of shoulder pain on occasion. When I was younger I always wanted to do 405 - thought 4 plates a side was a real big deal.

Week ago did Smith Machine Flat Bench for the following.
315x12
335x10
365x6

So the question is, based on Smith Machine #s, could I do a 405 single now on the flat bench with barbell?

 

[ajdos]

Probably catch some grief for asking but oh well.

It has probably been 10+ years since I tried to see what my flat bench max was. Have avoided flat bench barbell all these years because of shoulder pain on occasion. When I was younger I always wanted to do 405 - thought 4 plates a side was a real big deal.

Week ago did Smith Machine Flat Bench for the following.
315x12
335x10
365x6

So the question is, based on Smith Machine #s, could I do a 405 single now on the flat bench with barbell?

Try a similar progression on the flat barbell and you will have your answer.

 

[tri-terror]

If you could do 365 for 6 on actual flat bench I would say easily you could do 405.
I just don't think there is enough carry over from smith to free weight unfortunately.
You are just going to have to give it a go and see what you can do.

I would warm up good and then start doing triples till it got heavy and then some single attempts.
So something like this:
135x15 2 sets
225x5
275x3
315x3
335x1
365x1
385x1
405x1

 

[GS]

I know a guy who could barbell bench 385 for 4 and he couldn't get 400 and i know a guy who can bench 500 and only able to 435 for 3 reps .........


My smith machine is counter-balanced so 6 -45 2- 25 and we only call it 320 so see how your smith is set up so you know your upcoming lifts.

 

[gulfcoast]

If you could do 365 for 6 on actual flat bench I would say easily you could do 405.
I just don't think there is enough carry over from smith to free weight unfortunately.
You are just going to have to give it a go and see what you can do.

I would warm up good and then start doing triples till it got heavy and then some single attempts.
So something like this:
135x15 2 sets
225x5
275x3
315x3
335x1
365x1
385x1
405x1

Only one real powerlifter in my gym so maybe I'll get him to help me on something like this and see where I get. I realize there is a huge difference using most Smith Machines vs free weights.

Certainly don't want to tear anything just playing around but I'd really like to see if I could get 405 one time before I'm old and decrepit. lol

 

[Ehren]

Depends on how it's set up. My Smith is WAY heavier than a regular bench. About 50lb less for work sets on Smith.

You sound strong though, try it and let us know! I only touch 405 once or twice a year....just to see if I can. Gets harder as ya get older! LOL

Go for it and good luck!

 

[RONJON]

Yea it depends on the brand. Our smith is very light compared to the flat bench actually. I would for sure try to progress on the flat bench ^as suggested before attempting 405 bro

 

[buck1973]

Only one real powerlifter in my gym so maybe I'll get him to help me on something like this and see where I get. I realize there is a huge difference using most Smith Machines vs free weights.

Certainly don't want to tear anything just playing around but I'd really like to see if I could get 405 one time before I'm old and decrepit. lol

When is old and decrepit??
I myself have joint issues. I had my ortho give me cort injections about june last year. He also does my knees
As sophmoric as it sounds and I should know better. I like to test my max
I made 405 on the flat @ a few months b/4 my 50th (next stop 425)
Go slow stick with it HAVE a Proper spotters help
Use dumbells if possible flat barbells and machines are a bit tough for me as far as shoulder joints

Peace