Hi, I've just started lifting two weeks ago, and I want to know if there are any decent replacements for bench presses and other barbell presses. Since I don't have a spotter, I don't want to kill myself under a bar, but I also don't want to limit the amount I lift.

My gym has machine presses, so I use those along with Dumbbell Bench Presses. Is this a good replacement, or should I try something else?

Just keep doing Dumbell presses, they are the best if you dont have a spotter because you can go really heavy and just drop them if you get in trouble.

You could also use a smith machine to do presses but its not as effective becuase its a fixed movement.

Are you working out at a gym? If so just ask someone to spot you. If I'm not training with anyone I just ask strangers or people I know to spot me and I'm always happy to spot others.

Marcus :tucool:

blue,

i felt the same at one point. i know i needed to increase my weight but I didn't want to hurt myself on the bench press. Theres plenty of replacement workouts you can do..but i'm not expert. What I like to do is use the smith machine pull a bench underneath and us it as a bench press. that will let you add more weight then normal but not as good
http://www.exrx.net/AnimatedEx/PectoralSternal/SMBenchPress.gif

Ok, thanks for the info. I do go to a gym, but usually pretty late (11 pm) so there aren't that many people just standing around that I can ask to spot. But I'll keep up the dumbbell presses and I'll try out some more of the machines.