No! I don't want to spot you. Stop asking! [Forum Archive]

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No! I don't want to spot you. Stop asking!

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Posted by: seabee

I'm sick of this. If you can't lift the weight, go lighter or stay out of my gym!

I don't even know these goofballs who are spraying spit in my face while they grunt.

"Hey, will you give me a spot?" Yeah, bend over.

Posted by: greekblondechic

I switched to machines cuz I hate asking for spots, guys think I'm trying to hit on them.

Sorry dude, I'm not interested..

Posted by: P-funk

Why not have fun with it?? I just call people out and then one of two things happend (1) they wont ask me to spot them ever again because they get frustrated with me or (2) they thank me for pushing them to do something that they don't usually do and making them do things correctly and then will ask me a millioin questions everytime they see me (which can be annoying also).

Some of my favorite things to say:

When spotting someone on the bench press if they aren't touching their chest I yell "touch you f*cking chest!! what are you an ametuer?? stop wasting my time!"

For a squat if they aren't going at least to parallel (even though I only consider it a squat if you break parallel) I scream: "Sink it lower!!! What the F*ck are you trying to do squats or curtsies you panzie. This is pathetic!"

I know they sound brutal but they really wake some people up.

Posted by: Randy

What is wrong with asking someone for a spot.
I hate the kind of people that are snobs and can't help another person out

I'm not currently working out in a gym, but there has been many times where I wish I had someone to spot me. That's what lifting is all about, going to the extremes and pushing your limits to encourage hypertrophy. But while doing this, you must also think of safety. If your trying to push your limit on the bench in a gym and you don't have a friend working out with you, I don't see any problem what-so-ever in asking another guy to help you out. That is the problem is so many people are snobs anymore and don't want to help anyone.

Posted by: P-funk

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy

What is wrong with asking someone for a spot.
I hate the kind of people that are snobs and can't help another person out

there is nothing wrong with asking for a spot!! If you do, no matter what the weight, make sure that you perform the lift correctly otherwise stop wasting the spotters training time.

Posted by: Randy

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-funk

there is nothing wrong with asking for a spot!! If you do, no matter what the weight, make sure that you perform the lift correctly otherwise stop wasting the spotters training time.

Well maybe if the spotter finds that the person is not lifting correctly, is there any problem with offering him a little bit of helpful advice? Not everyone are seasoned veterans.

Besided the initiator of this thread didn't mention anything about not wanting to spot people that do exercises incorrectly, he said he didn't like to spot people period. But if one was lifting incorrectly, again what is wrong with helping the helping the guy out?

I would sure hate to work out with you P-funk.

Posted by: seabee

Most people ask for a spot. You walk over and they start giving orders..."get closer...I gotta have a lift off...I wanna get...reps..."

or my favorite "You got it?" No dude, I'm gonna drop it on your face. Sheesh.

Just shut up and lift the weight. I'll know when your too weak to do another rep...and don't yell "I want one more" while your lifting." You think your screaming "one more," but what I get is spit in my eye and a sore delt from savin your ass.

I'm not a snob.

Posted by: Jav

As a newbie myself, I ask people how I should conduct a particualr exercise and never have a problem asking for assistance. Seems that you guy's need to remember that you were once in the same position. I don't know if you realise this, but most people would want to emulate you and quite probably hold you as a mentor of sorts. Nothing wrong with putting a little back into the sport once in a while.

I can understand that it's your time too, maybe you could explain that you are currently busy, but hey, if ya wanna wait until I finish, I'll assist ya, but y gotta be preaperd to put in, or go home.

Just my 10 cents.

Stay safe

Jav

Posted by: Randy

Quote:

Originally Posted by seabee

Most people ask for a spot. You walk over and they start giving orders..."get closer...I gotta have a lift off...I wanna get...reps..."

or my favorite "You got it?" No dude, I'm gonna drop it on your face. Sheesh.

Just shut up and lift the weight. I'll know when your too weak to do another rep...and don't yell "I want one more" while your lifting." You think your screaming "one more," but what I get is spit in my eye and a sore delt from savin your ass.

I'm not a snob.

Seabee,
I don't know where you been lifting, but that certainly hasn't been my experience in all the years I have lifted.

Posted by: Randy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jav

As a newbie myself, I ask people how I should conduct a particualr exercise and never have a problem asking for assistance. Seems that you guy's need to remember that you were once in the same position. I don't know if you realise this, but most people would want to emulate you and quite probably hold you as a mentor of sorts. Nothing wrong with putting a little back into the sport once in a while.

I can understand that it's your time too, maybe you could explain that you are currently busy, but hey, if ya wanna wait until I finish, I'll assist ya, but y gotta be preaperd to put in, or go home.

Just my 10 cents.

Stay safe

Jav

I agree whole heartedly Jav

Posted by: P-funk

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy

Nothing is wrong with helping people out. If I am spotting some and things are going south I let them know. Just ask some of the guys that train with me or my clients. Yes, at times I can get brutal but I expect it back when I am getting critized after my set and I usually get it form my training partner..."Man, you were sloppy as shit on the deadlift, your back was all over the place." or my other trianing partner "what the f*ck is your problem??? keep you damn herad up!! straighten your spine!! you are a p*ssy!! lift the weight!! what the hell are you doing!!" you get my point.

Don't make me out to be an asshole here. I am always very helpful to people in the gym and at first glance i may be a bit intimidating when I am working out because when my training partner and I trian it is no nonsense, we are there to do business but I am pretty down to earth.

Most people do hate working out with my becuase my trianing partners and I really try and push the limits every time we train.

Posted by: Randy

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-funk

Nothing is wrong with helping people out. If I am spotting some and things are going south I let them know. Just ask some of the guys that train with me or my clients. Yes, at times I can get brutal but I expect it back when I am getting critized after my set and I usually get it form my training partner..."Man, you were sloppy as shit on the deadlift, your back was all over the place." or my other trianing partner "what the f*ck is your problem??? keep you damn herad up!! straighten your spine!! you are a p*ssy!! lift the weight!! what the hell are you doing!!" you get my point.

Don't make me out to be an asshole here.

I'm not making you out to be an asshole, you seemed to do that just fine yourself in your previous response.

I am always very helpful to people in the gym

Could have fooled me by your previous post

and at first glance i may be a bit intimidating when I am working out because when my training partner and I trian it is no nonsense, we are there to do business but I am pretty down to earth. Most people do hate working out with my becuase my trianing partners and I really try and push the limits every time we train.

Intimidation and working hard, intense, and pushing the limits have nothing to do with the subject of offering someone a spot when they need it. You stated your opinion, and now your trying to change it? No need to.

........

Posted by: SJ69

[quote=P-funk
Most people do hate working out with my becuase my trianing partners and I really try and push the limits every time we train.[/QUOTE]

That's the way to do it !!
And you can't really push the limits without a spot sometimes.
If you can't go till failure then "Leave my damn gym"

Posted by: rock4832

P-funk- I think you'd make a great spotter. I wish I had people like you spotting me rather than grabbing the bar off of me once I start to struggle a bit! I don't think you came across as an a**hole!

Seabee- I think you've got a pretty crappy attitude! I love to help and spot people in the gym. We are supposed to be there for each other. Randy is right, the gym is where you push yourself and it helps to have a spotter sometimes. Get over yourself man!

Posted by: CowPimp

Quote:

Originally Posted by seabee

Don't take it personally. Some people just don't really know how to spot right. Sometimes people will spot me and they will be touching the bar the entire duration of the lift. Usually I will be too nice to say "get your damned hands off the bar unless I actually need help." People just want to make sure you're on the same wavelength; communication is important.

Posted by: seabee

If I'm unsure about the weight on the bench, I'll go grab a couple of 120 lb dumbells instead and find out my limitations, and be better and stronger for it.

Try it.

Posted by: camarosuper6

A lot of a good spotter depends on the goals you have set for that day. I know when Im doing my regular heavy-to-failure routine, I love when I get pushed by someone. However, when I was doing something like HST, and I had a certain number of reps to get and NO MORE, even if it looked easy, and this guy is saying. ONE MORE! ONE MORE!.... it gets annoying.

I know they are trying to help, but I know what I'm doing, and if I needed someone to help my training and give me advice, I'd hire a trainer.

...like PFUNK!

Posted by: rock4832

Quote:

Originally Posted by seabee

If I'm unsure about the weight on the bench, I'll go grab a couple of 120 lb dumbells instead and find out my limitations, and be better and stronger for it.

Try it.

Well thank God not everybody is you!

Posted by: Randy

Quote:

Originally Posted by seabee

If I'm unsure about the weight on the bench, I'll go grab a couple of 120 lb dumbells instead and find out my limitations, and be better and stronger for it.

Try it.

You sound like a very selfish, cold-hearted person to me.

Posted by: ClintZ28

At every gym I've worked out at, it's been a very pleasant environment. I will usually spot people when I can see that they need a bit of help, and I've picked up a lot of friends that way. On Chest, Leg, and for my military presses I always find someone to spot me. I might not even know them, but most people are happy to help. As long as you are ready to do the lift, and you don't waste their time, it's just good fun.

I will ask anyone to spot me on military press and bench, just if they have never spotted me before, I'll let them know, I want to work very hard, let me rep out the last couple very slowly. But, only a few select people are trustworthy enough to spot me on squats.

Posted by: Randy

There used to be a guy who would visit the gym that I used to work out at. He would come in a couple times a week and do benches. He would do his warm ups, and then load the bar with 550lbs . There was always guys who would gladly volunteer to spot him, me being one. With the amount of weight he lifted, it took 2 spotters, one on each side of the bar to safely spot him.

Posted by: seabee

Actually, I'm quite friendly. I love animals and kids. I just don't want to spot you.

Posted by: Randy

Quote:

Originally Posted by seabee

Actually, I'm quite friendly. I love animals and kids. I just don't want to spot you.

At least you're good for something

p.s I wouldn't ask you for a spot

Posted by: Big Smoothy

Quote:

Some of my favorite things to say:

When spotting someone on the bench press if they aren't touching their chest I yell "touch you f*cking chest!! what are you an ametuer?? stop wasting my time!"

For a squat if they aren't going at least to parallel (even though I only consider it a squat if you break parallel) I scream: "Sink it lower!!! What the F*ck are you trying to do squats or curtsies you panzie. This is pathetic!"

Lauging my As* off!!

Posted by: JerseyDevil

Quote:

Originally Posted by rock4832

P-funk- I think you'd make a great spotter. I wish I had people like you spotting me rather than grabbing the bar off of me once I start to struggle a bit! I don't think you came across as an a**hole!

Seabee- I think you've got a pretty crappy attitude! I love to help and spot people in the gym. We are supposed to be there for each other. Randy is right, the gym is where you push yourself and it helps to have a spotter sometimes. Get over yourself man!

What Rock said. I didn't take P's comments as being an ass either. If I'm using lousy form, I want to know about it!

Seabee - spotting is part of the game. Sure sometimes you don't 'feel' like it, but the trade off is that when YOU need a spot, someone will return the favor. I typically go to complete failure on at least one set of bench press for instance. I don't always use a spotter, but when I do, usually I can eek out one more rep knowing I won't get stuck if I'm unsure about doing one more. So according to you, I should switch to DBs for that last set? That really makes a lot of sense.

Never get into to powerlifting BTW. With that attitude, someone will leave your ass pinned under a bar.

Posted by: P-funk

Quote:

thanks rock, that is what I am trying to say. I even don't like to ask people that I don't know to spot me because most people don't know the correct way of spotting and they get nervous and end up screwing me up more than helping me. That is why I workout with the guys that I do (who are really serious trainers and are going to make sure to keep me honest when I lift).

Quote:

What Rock said. I didn't take P's comments as being an ass either. If I'm using lousy form, I want to know about it!

Exactley. I mean, if you aren't doing the lift correctly and you are just wasting your time and cheating yourself why bother? As much as it sucks when someone puts you in your place (believe me I have been there too) it feels good once you get it right (even if your weights take a dive and your ego takes a hit). Usually when I am in the middle of a set you will even hear me yell things out to my partner because I want to know, right there and then, not after the set....."is my back straight?", "Is my scapula protracted?", "are my elbows flaring out?", "How is my depth today?", "Am I popping my hips enough?"....etc...

Posted by: SJ69

My partner knows how to spot me, but sometimes befire the lift I'll give him special instructions. For example he knows to just help the minimal amount to get me past my sticking point if I get stuck, but sometimes if I am going for a max I might say "No forced reps, If I miss it just grab it" It all depends on your energy levels and your goals for the day.

Posted by: CaptainDeadlift

If you are asking for a spot, be specific about what you want. Help on the last rep only? A couple of forced reps? Maybe just help past a sticking point?

If you are asked for a spot without specific instructions, ask the person what they want. Get it straight before the set starts.

And for seabee, you need to get a workout shirt that says "No Spot for You!"

Posted by: Randy

Quote:

Originally Posted by JerseyDevil

Seabee - spotting is part of the game. Sure sometimes you don't 'feel' like it, but the trade off is that when YOU need a spot, someone will return the favor. I typically go to complete failure on at least one set of bench press for instance. I don't always use a spotter, but when I do, usually I can eek out one more rep knowing I won't get stuck if I'm unsure about doing one more. So according to you, I should switch to DBs for that last set? That really makes a lot of sense.

Never get into to powerlifting BTW. With that attitude, someone will leave your ass pinned under a bar.

Now that last sentence was hillarious, but true

Posted by: animalmachine

the most important thing about a spot is SAFETY. i need a spot sometimes, and am more than happy to spot someone else because then i know i can count on asking this person to help me out some other time. you don't always know how much you can do at how many reps. the amount i can lift with dumbells is always different for me than a barbell. you also don't know when some old injury will suddenly sneak back up on you at the most inopportune moment. if someone has bad form, let them know. you are more than happy with offering advice to people on this board, what's wrong with helping people at the gym. when i first started i didn't know WTF i was doing and fortunately for me, was given some very good advice before seriously hurting myself.

Posted by: animalmachine

advice such as "stop spitting in my fucking face you ass", is also acceptable and warranted

Posted by: Randy

Quote:

Originally Posted by animalmachine

advice such as "stop spitting in my fucking face you ass", is also acceptable and warranted

My advice in that case would be, "You better find yourself another spotter!"
But I think that statement sounds like a bit of an exaggeration.

Posted by: Premo55

You know what's the funniest thing?
Dudes using the 15 pound barbell ( I don't even know why we have these) at my gym and loading it up with 45 plates, and THEN performing the exercise with TERRIBLE form and close to no ROM whatsoever, so they can fuel their egos for a few minutes. What's worse is the fact that they usually come in pairs and they require a spot for their laughable attempts.

Peace.

Posted by: Randy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Premo55

You know what's the funniest thing?
Dudes using the 15 pound barbell ( I don't even know why we have these) at my gym and loading it up with 45 plates, and THEN performing the exercise with TERRIBLE form and close to no ROM whatsoever, so they can fuel their egos for a few minutes. What's worse is the fact that they usually come in pairs and they require a spot for their laughable attempts.

Peace.

15 pound Barbell?????? That sounds like only those who like to live their lives on the edge would do that

Posted by: Saturday Fever

Quote:

Originally Posted by Premo55

It's even funnier when these same guys load 315 or so for squats and they descend about 2" before coming back up. And the whole time they're grunting like animals and encouraging each other to "come on, 2 more!" 2 more? If they use that ROM for 20 more it might equal 1 REAL rep!

No, really, I love going to a public gym. And no, really, I can wait longer to get my dungeon rebuilt.

Posted by: Vieope

Quote:

Originally Posted by seabee

I'm sick of this. If you can't lift the weight, go lighter or stay out of my gym!

I don't even know these goofballs who are spraying spit in my face while they grunt.

"Hey, will you give me a spot?" Yeah, bend over.

If you don´t wanna be a spot, play the overexcited gym guy. Even before they start you are already screaming: "One more, one more!"
Works every time.

Posted by: Premo55

Saturday Fever: Yeah, I love those guys too, particularly the 50 year old guy who loads 4 45 pound plates on each side (using an ROM of, you guessed it, about 2 inches, haha) while he's working in with me, then watches me full squat with 225, only to smirk sarcastically "When you're my age you won't be going down that low, you'll have back problems, full squats don't help you much anyway"

Peace.

Posted by: LAM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Premo55

Saturday Fever: Yeah, I love those guys too, particularly the 50 year old guy who loads 4 45 pound plates on each side (using an ROM of, you guessed it, about 2 inches, haha) while he's working in with me, then watches me full squat with 225, only to smirk sarcastically "When you're my age you won't be going down that low, you'll have back problems, full squats don't help you much anyway"

Peace.

there is a old guy in my gym, got to be mid 60's. he loads up the leg press with about 10 plates a side and goes down about 2 inches. you would think he would take notice to EVERYBODY else doing the exercise differently than himself, but apparently not...

I think my arms are bigger than his quads..lol

Posted by: Premo55

Honestly I'll never understand dudes who don't utilise a weight that will allow them to use optimal ROM. I mean, it doesn't impress anyone when they're shifting a weight they OBVIOUSLY cannot handle, they just look like buffoons, plus they won't be experiencing hypertrophy and seeing results anyway, so what really is the benefit?

Peace.

Posted by: OMNIFEX

I don't know. Maybe I've grown used to people willing
to give you a spot. Maybe its a trade in Small
Hardcore Gyms versus Large Fitness Gyms. For,
I remember being in this small hole in the ground
gym, with the dirty locker rooms, toilets backed up,
men screaming for dear life, and, you would be
repremanded for not asking for a spot, when you got hurt.

You would get a spot automatically if you was struggling
and another guy just happened to be walking by. No
need to ask, it was simple courtesy.

I'm now in this "Health Spa" and, I see guys struggling
with the weights, and, no one automatically spots them.

I mean you can meet a new buddy from a spot, get
tips, and so forth.

But, I guess some people just rather focus on their
workout, and, could care less of the other guy struggling
on the bench.

I think this is why, I'm looking for a small Hardcore gym.
The large Fitness Gyms always seem to follow the rule,
of not willing to give their fellow gym member a spot.

Now, keep in mind, that I don't ask for spots. The most
I will say is "Dude, can you pass me the 90's" when I'm
doing decline bench press. But, I do see plenty of guys
struggling with weights, and, people don't pay them any
mind.

I guess this is why Large Gyms are more Fitness, and,
the Small Gyms are more Hardcore. In a small gym
everyone is like family, and, are willing to help you
accomplish your goals. In a large gym, its an competitive
thing.

Its Crazy when your rival in a bodybuilding competition
is willing to spot you, in a small gym, and, in a large
gym where there is no one going in competition acts
like you and them are in competition.

Posted by: Rich46yo

This is one reason I stopped training in gymns. The last gymn I belonged to, a health club, was mostly made up of arrogant,white,suburban,assholes. Asking one of them for a spot would at best get you a sneer and a funny exhaleing sound coming out of their mouths. Just as bad were the employees, who were a bunch of arrogant,white,suburban,assholes. One guy would spend 8 hours occasionaly wipeing a weight and talking to the girls. Ask him for a spot and he'd act like you were trying to pick his pocket. Oh man I hated that place.

Someone explain to me whats so hard with helping out another human being by spotting his/her weight? And who cares if they are doing it correctly? Isnt just helping someone else out a good enough reason?...........take care..........Rich

Posted by: Randy

Quote:

Originally Posted by OMNIFEX

I don't know. Maybe I've grown used to people willing
to give you a spot. Maybe its a trade in Small
Hardcore Gyms versus Large Fitness Gyms. For,
I remember being in this small hole in the ground
gym, with the dirty locker rooms, toilets backed up,
men screaming for dear life, and, you would be
repremanded for not asking for a spot, when you got hurt.

You would get a spot automatically if you was struggling
and another guy just happened to be walking by. No
need to ask, it was simple courtesy.

I'm now in this "Health Spa" and, I see guys struggling
with the weights, and, no one automatically spots them.

I mean you can meet a new buddy from a spot, get
tips, and so forth.

But, I guess some people just rather focus on their
workout, and, could care less of the other guy struggling
on the bench.

I think this is why, I'm looking for a small Hardcore gym.
The large Fitness Gyms always seem to follow the rule,
of not willing to give their fellow gym member a spot.

Now, keep in mind, that I don't ask for spots. The most
I will say is "Dude, can you pass me the 90's" when I'm
doing decline bench press. But, I do see plenty of guys
struggling with weights, and, people don't pay them any
mind.

I guess this is why Large Gyms are more Fitness, and,
the Small Gyms are more Hardcore. In a small gym
everyone is like family, and, are willing to help you
accomplish your goals. In a large gym, its an competitive
thing.

Its Crazy when your rival in a bodybuilding competition
is willing to spot you, in a small gym, and, in a large
gym where there is no one going in competition acts
like you and them are in competition.

Omnifex,

That is what really irritates me in how inconsiderate people are now days.
It's funny how times have changed. I am one who was brought up in a way to help people when they need help, and to be courteous to others. It is strange how people have become so selfish and inconsiderate. Many people these days just think of themselves.

I hate to say it, but when I meet a considerate helpful person anymore I am really shocked. Meeting people like that seem so few and far between anymore, and that is really sad. Welcome to beautiful California

Now even today if I go back to West Virginia anyone that walks or drives by will wave at you. Here, at best someone will flip you off.

Posted by: NNN

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainDeadlift

If you are asking for a spot, be specific about what you want. Help on the ? A ? Maybe just ?

If you are asked for a spot without specific instructions, ask the person what they want. Get it straight before the set starts.

And for seabee, you need to get a workout shirt that says "No Spot for You!"

I am a newcomer here. I have found this forum a very useful place to have more knowledge for working out although I do not entirely understand some technical words and I dont use much English. I was wondering what is best way to gain musle size by having a spotter as quoted above:last rep only or couple of forced reps or help past a sticking point.

Posted by: Randy

Welcome to Iron Magazine...

Here is a link that will provide you with some great advice on benching...

http://www.ironmagazineforums.com/sh...threadid=11158

Posted by: Spottieottie

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-funk

I was rolling after I read that. You are hilarious!

Posted by: Spottieottie

I hate it when people are benching and they don't touch their chest. This guy at the gym yesterday was benching his max yesterday and did this exact thing. It defeats the purpose of a max because this area between the bar and chest is ALWAYS the hardest to clear.

Posted by: Chain Link

People do the same with curls. They lean back so the last bit they just move sideways, and down onto their chest.. Then they move their chest forward and take the bar down.. That can be dangerous if your core is burnt out and you cant go forward.. You would just fall back- And in the proccess, throw the bar so it doesnt land on you.
The curl bar, then would fly through the air, and hit the moron doing squats in the stomache- forcing him to bend, and accually go all the way down. Having never done a full squat, he would then begin to cry like a 6 yo girl that his back was going to break; and maybe so since he cant possible squat what he has on the bar.
The curl guy quickly gets up and trys to help the guy rerack the weight.. but the ROM for lifting the squat bar from behind this guy requires him to do a curl in proper form.. between the two of them the cant rerack it.. so he drops the bar off one side and lets it flip.. which in turn flys at the guy doing the benchpress(Who was supposed to be spotting the squatter in the first place.)
This rather skinny man is benching 200lbs; also with bad form- arching his back. Luckily, the bench does stop the mammoth squat bar from slaughtering the benchpresser; but the angle it lands at with the weights covering the other side pins the mans back to the bench; forcing him also to use proper form. He quickly succumbs to the weigh of his bench bar, killing the man.. A memorial now stands in his honor..

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