Pec pain-what should I do?

[hanuri]

but it´s the only thing that separates us from machines ....:bigsmile

[sawadeekrob]

I always thought that creativity was what separated us from all other living things.

To the OP the problem is not on the incline angle, it is that you are using the smith machine which is locking you into a movement pattern that is not accurate for your body, thus either your shoulder or your elbow has to move in a pattern that is reflecting the pain into your chest.

Be very careful of this machine. Why don't you try something. Take 1 week from all benching and when you come back do the inclines with dumbbells or free barbell. I am sure you will be completely pain free (provided you do not go poundage crazy and the form is compromised).

[Phatback]

As a matter of fact, I stopped benching a couple of weeks ago and began dummbell pressing...There was absolutely no pain. I will probably slowly work back into barbell presses as well, but the incline was totally fine for me....
Im putting incline smith presses to the scrapheap...

Thanks

[advanced-stealth-rep]

Smart move

Originally Posted by Phatback

As a matter of fact, I stopped benching a couple of weeks ago and began dummbell pressing...There was absolutely no pain. I will probably slowly work back into barbell presses as well, but the incline was totally fine for me....
Im putting incline smith presses to the scrapheap...

Thanks

[hanuri]

that´s what it is ; trial and error :bigsmile glad you got help.

[Mighty mouse]

I agree with "sawadeekrob" I believe Smith Machines do not conform to a natural strength curve. For instance, compare a barbell squat to a smith machine squat. The movement pattern is more natural in the squat whereas, in the machine squat you are locked into an unnatural position. The same goes for bench. I experienced pec pain years ago while using a smith machine for bench and stopped using since.

[BACKIN]

Originally Posted by sawadeekrob

I always thought that creativity was what separated us from all other living things.

To the OP the problem is not on the incline angle, it is that you are using the smith machine which is locking you into a movement pattern that is not accurate for your body, thus either your shoulder or your elbow has to move in a pattern that is reflecting the pain into your chest.

Be very careful of this machine. Why don't you try something. Take 1 week from all benching and when you come back do the inclines with dumbbells or free barbell. I am sure you will be completely pain free (provided you do not go poundage crazy and the form is compromised).

Great advise....free weights are the way to go you hit the muscles you really want to hit with the right form because you can adjust if it doesn't feel like you are targeting the right area. Come back with light wieghts and work back up you won't lose anything.