Is The Leverage Bench Press Machine Dangerous?
Is The Leverage Bench Press Machine Dangerous? Some people think that the leverage bench press machine can be a dangerous exercise. Below is a question that we received regarding the ATX Triplex Leverage Multi Gym.
“The only thing i don’t like about this kind of machine, it’s the start position when you do bench presses. It can be dangerous when you lift quite heavy. Imagine you do barbell bench press with the bar on the chest for the first rep.”
From my own experience I know this is not true. Personally, I have done countless reps on leverage bench press machines and have never been injured. The brand and style of machines have varied. Powertec, Megatec, ATX. Multi Gyms, multi press and chest press machines. I even used prototypes while working in Powertec’s factory. Not once have I felt unsafe.
More importantly I have sold thousands to people. Plus, I am active in many online training communities which are international. Many revolve around these leverage machines and people love them – they don’t think they are dangerous.
Leverage Bench Press is not Barbell Bench Press
A common misconception is that people try to equate their leverage bench press lift to their barbell bench press lift. They are two different exercises. Just like you can’t compare your dumbbell bench press to barbell. So you need to approach the leverage bench press differently.
I know plenty of serious lifters who do one rep max lifts or triples with barbell squats. On the other hand I do not know anyone who does 1rms on leg press machines. The same applies to the leverage bench press machine. They are best used for higher rep work.
Correct Form
When doing a barbell bench press, if you want to bench heavier while reducing the chance of a pec strain, you get your arch on. This reduces the range of motion. If you want to target muscle growth and extend the range of motion, use less weight and do more reps.
The same applies to the leverage bench press. When you get under the press arms, they should be above your chest. You get underneath and then when you get your arch on start lifting. With your chest up you are getting a decent range of motion without stressing your pecs.
More importantly, do the reps in a slow and controlled fashion. You can move a lot of weight on these machines with poor form. It is easy to get momentum by not controlling the weight. However, if you lift and lower the weight slowly you can seriously torch your pecs. By not using stabilising muscles like on the barbell bench press, you can better target your pecs.
Forget about the weight in kilos you are lifting. Focus on applying the force directly to your pecs. Measure the effectiveness of your workout by the fatigue in your chest.
Learn From The Pros
Ultimately, I am just a dribbler when it comes to training, but I have been lucky to learn a lot from Lee Priest. I have heard him say many times that given the choice, he would always choose the leverage bench press over the barbell bench press. The reason being is because he is scared of getting injured on the barbell bench press.
Lee has owned many leverage bench press machines, and he will say they are not dangerous. He hardly ever got injured in the gym. Lee tore his bicep moving a TV! You will notice that he is very conservative in his range of motion, especially when lifting heavy weight. He will get a spot on the heavy sets if he has a training partner. When training alone he won’t lift as heavy but do more reps and sets.
Just remember, any piece of gym equipment is dangerous when not used properly. If you always use correct form and progress from weights which you can handle with ease, you will get stronger. Not injured.
Key Takeaways
- Many believe the leverage bench press machine is dangerous, but personal experience shows it’s safe when used correctly.
- Leverage and barbell bench presses are different exercises; approach them uniquely for better results.
- Correct form, slow controlled movements, and focusing on muscle fatigue prevent injuries while using the leverage bench press machine.
- Experienced lifters, like Lee Priest, prefer leverage machines for safety and effectiveness in training.
- Proper usage of any gym equipment ensures safety and strength gains without injury.
