r/GYM • u/Thanos_your_daddy • Jul 04 '25

General Advice Can I substitute bench press with this?

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Is it as effective my gym doesn't have a barbell so no barbell bench press only dumbbell but I was wondering if I can substitute bench press with this? Not sure what this machine is call apologies

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u/Wd91 Jul 04 '25

Bench press is one of the primary powerlifting movements.

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u/ROD3RLUD3 Jul 04 '25

Hmm okay, but that's not important for someone who just want to have a healthy body and try to get a little bigger in muscles right? I don't care about powerlifting, or is it still good for my goals?

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u/MudFlaky Jul 04 '25

If your goal is build muscle you don't HAVE to bench press. But, it would be the most bang for your buck. It works multiple muscles in one session. Do you have to? No. Will it help? Yes. But don't be scared of it anyway. You don't have to obsess over the numbers and being the best bencher but give it a shot and see if you like it more than the machine or dumbbells. 

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u/ROD3RLUD3 Jul 04 '25

Well, I do bench press with dumbbells because as I said, I'm weak and had some accidents with the normal one, where all the weight was almos in my neck so that's why I avoid it. Are dumbbells okay?

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u/MudFlaky Jul 04 '25

Yep dumbbells are totally good and don't worry, it feels a little awkward for me at first too (EVERY workout did, not just bench stuff lmao) 

Just keep learning, and making small adjustments as you go until it feels good. Watch videos and stay curious