- #1
jacebargo
- 10
- 0
quick question...is it possible to press down more than you weigh without being strapped in ?
I don't see how, not without accelerating. You, of course, could jump in the air and hit the floor with a force greater than your weight, but I assume that's not what you are talking about. Pressing down on a bar (attached to a pulley and weights, say) smoothly and continuously, the best you can do is lean all your weight on it.jacebargo said:quick question...is it possible to press down more than you weigh without being strapped in ?
No, not in smooth controlled movements unless you are strapped in.jacebargo said:im talking about in a seated tricept machine. with a cable and pullies. if you are seated there and without the strap around your waist. let's say you weigh 200lbs and you have 275lbs selected on the machine...can you press 275lb down when you weigh 200 without leaving the ground...thanks for your help on this
In smooth controlled movements, or fast explosive presses? Without wrapping your legs around anything, or pushing yourself back into the seat?jacebargo said:Well, I don't know what I can say. What I do know is I was not strapped in and I selected 270 pounds and was able to press it.
You have not described the machine adequately, but if you are pressing a bar attached to a cable, and that cable loops around a pulley at the top of the weight stack, you are actually pressing 135# (disregarding mechanical drag).jacebargo said:Well, I don't know what I can say. What I do know is I was not strapped in and I selected 270 pounds and was able to press it.
Okay, fair enough. However, as turbo said the configuration of the pulleys can reduce the amount of force required to lift the nominal mass.jacebargo said:I did smooth controlled movements. As a matter of fact, I did negative presses on the upswing. So, it was very controlled. the seat in which I sat is not straight back. It is at a slight forward angle so my body is in a slightly forward position. My feet flat on the ground and not wrapped on anything and I was not strapped into the seat.
Not without restraining yourself with a strap or bar, no. That is why Lat Pull-down machines have knee bars, since your lats are stronger than your triceps, you can lift/pull a lot more weight with them, many times your bodyweight. Placing your legs under the bars stops you coming flying out of your seat when you pull ala chin ups.jacebargo said:thanks...so there is now way to push down more than you weigh, with smoth controlled movements without leaving the ground?
My Pleasurejacebargo said:thanks ...you guys are awesome
Clearly how you grip the bar will determine how much force you can apply--but never more than your weight, unless something else besides gravity is holding you down.jacebargo said:ok let's say the pully is just changing the direction of the applied force, and there is no mechanical advantage with the pullies...would you now have to consider the leverage. where your hands grip to where the cable is attached?
Simple answer: NO.jacebargo said:that makes perfect sense...but what about when your pressing weight down? towards the earth. can you press down more than you weigh without holding yourself down in some way...that was the original question
If the weight stack is marked "270 lbs", then I hope the actual force required is close to 270 lbs. (That the machine would be labeled 270, yet only require 135 due to mechanical advantage, seems unlikely. Note that depending on how the machine is designed, the leverage--and required force--may change as a function of how far the cable is pulled. Some machines give a range of weight, from lowest to highest.)Joey D. said:Agreed that the system of pully's allows you to use 135 pounds of force but you would agree that 270 pounds on the machine is just that... the amount of force exerted is really the question... agreed?
If the weight stack is marked "270 lbs", then I hope the actual force required is close to 270 lbs. (That the machine would be labeled 270, yet only require 135 due to mechanical advantage, seems unlikely.
:rofl:Doc Al said:Next time I'm in the gym I will examine how the machines are put together.
I never said you didn't go to the gym, I'm just giggling at the thought of you stood there explaining what your doing to the other people in the gym.Doc Al said:Hey now... :grumpy:
Yes, it is possible for a person to push down more than their own weight. This is due to the principle of leverage, where a person can use their body and the positioning of their muscles to exert a greater force than their own weight.
The amount of extra weight a person can push down depends on their body composition, muscle strength, and technique. On average, a person can push down an additional 50% of their body weight.
Pushing down more than your weight can be safe as long as proper technique and caution are used. It is important to listen to your body and not push beyond your physical capabilities to avoid injury.
Yes, pushing down more than your weight can be a form of strength training. This type of exercise can help build muscle and improve overall strength, especially in the upper body.
As with any form of exercise, there are some risks associated with pushing down more than your weight. These include muscle strain, joint pain, and potential for injury if proper technique is not used. It is important to consult a professional and listen to your body when attempting to push down more than your weight.