How to turn down spotting requests?

JJJ · 10-26-2003, 05:06 PM

No, I´m not busy, I just don´t want to spot you. Take your lazy ass to the smith machine.

Do you get a lot of "hey dude, help me out?" from strangers? How do you say no? Or are you just nice enough to spot them?

odin52 · 10-26-2003, 05:22 PM

I work out alone so I give and get spots regularly, sometimes they ask right when I am about to do a set so I just say, "sure, right after my set", they either get someone else or wait for me. Regardless it is usually no big deal and I get good contacts from it.

Eggs · 10-26-2003, 05:56 PM

Well JJJ, you say "Sorry bro, its against my policy to give spots because it interferes with my workout."

I just hope one day when you're lifting big and you drop the weight on yourself and are struggling like a ho to get it off... realize that they also have the right to smile at you as you turn red and say the same. So you're going to choke or dump your weights, and either way feel lame.

So yeah, I'm just nice enough to spot them. Not only does it make me feel all warm and fuzzy, but one day when I'm needing a spot I have a friend to hook me up.

JJJ · 10-26-2003, 06:08 PM

I bring my spotters with me when I go to the gym. People seeing me n my bud working out n thinking "hey hes got a spotter, I can ask him (me) and not have to spot him later". And you just know they want to do negatives with 800 lbs just after I´ve done 45 min of deadlifting.

Hm, I am really a nice guy, this thread makes me look evil though.

DaMayor · 10-26-2003, 06:40 PM

Although I usually spot others if needed, I can relate to what your saying. Due to time restraints, I would rather stay in the zone, uninterrupted, if given a choice.

Eggs is just an exceptionally warm and fuzzy dude, eh?

**Mudge** · 10-26-2003, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JJJ
Take your lazy ass to the smith machine.

Smith machines suck, shame on you.

JJJ · 10-26-2003, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mudge
Smith machines suck, shame on you.

They do, I never use them. But recommending others to use them makes more regular benches available

Pepper · 10-26-2003, 07:07 PM

Why are they lazy b/c they need a spot? I don't see what the big deal is. I would rather take 2 minutes and spot somebody between sets than look like an ass. If I just say "I don't want to," that is what I would look like.

**Mudge** · 10-26-2003, 08:05 PM

I dont mind gym comradery really, I think its pretty cool. I had a guy help me do a forced rep (on the smith!) while doing incline presses once and I thought that was cool, I didnt even ask. Thankfully he knew how to spot, he helped me but didn't do it for me.

firestorm · 10-26-2003, 08:24 PM

Not giving spots to other trainers is not ethical. I look at anyone who trains as a "brother to the sport" and we all should act like embassidors to this sport and lend a hand whenever possible. Now that doesn't mean to stop your workout and write someone a routine, but to lend a spot is the right thing to do. I've never said no to someone in the gym that required a spot and even took it upon myself to jump over and help someone I saw struggling without having to be asked. Sorry bro but if you want advise on how to turn a cold shoulder to another weight trainer, I can't help you.

**Dale Mabry** · 10-26-2003, 10:31 PM

I pretty much spot everyone who needs it. I hate when someone spots me incorrectly, however so I make it a point to ask how they want the spot and when they want it. I fucking hate when I am struggling with a weight but I know I am going to get it and then some jack off rips it out of my hands.

Eggs · 10-26-2003, 10:35 PM

Yeah, a bad spot can almost ruin a workout. I've had several where one arm on bench was moving a little slower... so they lifted that one side, almost knocking me of the bench. But hey, its all good... at least they meant well.

Definitely important to communicate what you want when you are spotting or getting spotted though. Makes it that much more effective and satisfying.

**Mudge** · 10-26-2003, 10:56 PM

Definitely, I remember a spot once over a year ago (without asking) where a dude freaking ripped the bar out of my hands practically and I gave a rough "thanks." Shit man so I'm struggling on my last rep DAMNIT, I am pretty convinced he was trying to show off by how fast he could snatch it, bitch.

**Dale Mabry** · 10-26-2003, 11:02 PM

I am always quite picky on how I want my spot. How do you all do yours? On movements with the bar, I tell them not to touch it until it drops more than 2 inches. On Dumbells, I take my spot from the wrists so itis ahrder for them to do most of the work.

**Mudge** · 10-26-2003, 11:16 PM

I want mild assistance, no more, forced rep is nice sometimes too. I hardly ever get a spot though honestly. 1 or 2 fingers is enough for a spot.

firestorm · 10-26-2003, 11:43 PM

Well I don't have to worry about any of this hog wash anymore. I traded in my little Golds membership card for a full home gym. No worries here ever again. No bad spots, no b.s. talk, no stealing equipment, no jackass pencil necks asking to work in, no hot thong wearing hos walking by to distract me, and no more anything.

TheGreatSatan · 10-27-2003, 02:02 AM

Tell them you're a weakling and you'll only get them killed.

JJJ · 10-27-2003, 07:02 AM

If someone is struggling to get the weight of their chest or whatever ofcourse Ill help em. But the smith machine is not there to strenghten your stabelizers or give you a natural motion, its there to help you train when you are alone. Thinking that your workout is more important them mine is by asking me to spot is... well... not nice. Even more not nice then me saying "sorry bro, dont want to, but ask that guy, he is also on chest day, yall can spot eachother."

Rocco32 · 10-27-2003, 07:22 AM

It seems your looking into the motives of the asker a little too much and thinking about yourself too much. I really doubt the person who asks for a spot thinks his workout is more important than yours, and the're usually nervous to ask in the first place because they don't want to bother you. But I agree with most of the people here, you need to help each other, I don't see what the big deal is helping a fellow lifter out. I'm with Eggs, it makes me feel good. Life starts when you stop thinking and doing things solely for yourself and you look to how you can help people around you.

Eggs · 10-27-2003, 06:58 PM

Today was chest day for me in the gym... was lifting my weights and there was another guy there a little smaller than me that was lifting. He'd worked on the last two so I went and stood a little ways behind the bar just in case he needed a hand or felt like asking me to help him get a few more up because he was just feeling crazy like that. He didnt need it, but I said "Hey bro, if you ever need a spot just tell me." So he thanked me and offered the same. A few minutes later a big guy came up and introduced himself and told me if I needed a spot that he'd be game, and a few times when I was lifting when he wasnt under the weights he'd stand a little ways back from me when I was struggling just to insure my lifts would go well

We're supposed to be a brotherhood/sisterhood of people... we have something in common that we all love, and why the heck would we turn such a great situation into a selfish fit about someone else messing with your lifts? If someone asks you and you're about to lift, say "I'll give you a hand right after this set." Then knock it out and go give him/her a hand. Its not going to interfere with your set timing, the only excuse you can have is being selfish.
Well, you enjoy your being selfish... and I'm going to enjoy helping my brothers and sisters of iron get bigger and stronger

firestorm · 10-27-2003, 07:22 PM

Well I did chest today and needed a spot so I asked myself since I train at home and I had no problem at all spotting myself. I didnt' get pissed or ignore me.

Rocco32 · 10-27-2003, 07:33 PM

I agree completely Eggs!

Rocco32 · 10-27-2003, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by firestorm
Well I did chest today and needed a spot so I asked myself since I train at home and I had no problem at all spotting myself. I didnt' get pissed or ignore me.

I'm so glad your still around FS!!!

Eggs · 10-27-2003, 07:41 PM

btw JJJ, I'm not pointing at you when I'm saying that... just stating my feelings on the matter. How you act in the gym is your own personal business, we dont lift at the same gym

firestorm · 10-27-2003, 07:43 PM

Glad you still find me amusing there Rock. hahahaha

BabsieGirl · 10-27-2003, 08:01 PM

JJJ -- I don't see a problem in spotting them. It's not like they're saying. Hey, work out with me! Their partner may have skipped a training day. Remember, you were once in their shoes too.

If you absolutely don't want to then just say it. And if part of you wants to and the other half doesn't. Ask them to wait until you're done, then you'll help them out.

Maybe ask them to ask a staff member at the gym. I dunno.

Eggs -- I'm with ya on what you said. Couldn't agree more.

firestorm · 10-27-2003, 09:08 PM

Hey Babs will you spot me here? While your at it move next door to me so I have a spotter 'ALL THE TIME" YEAAAY.

**I Are Baboon** · 10-28-2003, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by firestorm
Not giving spots to other trainers is not ethical.

I agree!! I would never turn someone down if they asked me to spot them. If I'd rather not be bothered, I just keep my head down and don't make eye contact with anyone, hoping to get ignored. But if asked, I will always help.

It's like this: If I mountain biking and encounter a fellow biker who has a flat tire, and for whatever reason has no spare and no patch kit, I am going to help if if he asks me. I am not going to be an asshole that turns him down. Like Eggs said, we're a brotherhood with a common interest who need to look out for one another.

JJJ · 10-28-2003, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Eggs
Its not going to interfere with your set timing, the only excuse you can have is being selfish.

I take a maximum of 20 s between sets... It trows me of rythm completly.

Quote:

Originally posted by BabsieGirl

Maybe ask them to ask a staff member at the gym. I dunno.

Damn, you got staff members hanging around spotting folk? Only Staff Ive ever seen in my gym is at the front disk.

----------------

Anyway, time to stop beeing angry at me for not identify myself trough my lifting, its not a "brotherhood" I lift for me. I got friends outside the gym, dont need to win Mr Popularity.

Eggs · 10-28-2003, 08:56 AM

Umm, 20 seconds between sets? Not lifting too hard huh?

Thats cool, to each their own. I used to know guys that would come in with spandex and put 10s on the bench. They didnt lift too hard either

Oh, and I wasnt referring to you FS

10-26-2003, 05:06 PM	#1
JJJ Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Under your bed Posts: 1,146	How to turn down spotting requests? No, I´m not busy, I just don´t want to spot you. Take your lazy ass to the smith machine. Do you get a lot of "hey dude, help me out?" from strangers? How do you say no? Or are you just nice enough to spot them?

10-26-2003, 10:31 PM	#11
Dale Mabry Moderator Moderator Join Date: May 2003 Location: Elsewhere Posts: 14,335 Photos: 10	I pretty much spot everyone who needs it. I hate when someone spots me incorrectly, however so I make it a point to ask how they want the spot and when they want it. I fucking hate when I am struggling with a weight but I know I am going to get it and then some jack off rips it out of my hands. If sense were common, everyone would have it. 4/2007-Current 75th Ranked most popular image 1 spot behind Prince's bulge...

10-26-2003, 11:02 PM	#14
Dale Mabry Moderator Moderator Join Date: May 2003 Location: Elsewhere Posts: 14,335 Photos: 10	I am always quite picky on how I want my spot. How do you all do yours? On movements with the bar, I tell them not to touch it until it drops more than 2 inches. On Dumbells, I take my spot from the wrists so itis ahrder for them to do most of the work. If sense were common, everyone would have it. 4/2007-Current 75th Ranked most popular image 1 spot behind Prince's bulge...

10-27-2003, 07:22 AM	#19
Rocco32 UNLEASH THE BEAST Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 22,329 Photos: 18	It seems your looking into the motives of the asker a little too much and thinking about yourself too much. I really doubt the person who asks for a spot thinks his workout is more important than yours, and the're usually nervous to ask in the first place because they don't want to bother you. But I agree with most of the people here, you need to help each other, I don't see what the big deal is helping a fellow lifter out. I'm with Eggs, it makes me feel good. Life starts when you stop thinking and doing things solely for yourself and you look to how you can help people around you. I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain...

10-27-2003, 07:33 PM	#22
Rocco32 UNLEASH THE BEAST Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 22,329 Photos: 18	I agree completely Eggs! I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain...

10-26-2003, 05:22 PM	#2
odin52 Member Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: wa Posts: 234 Photos: 2	I work out alone so I give and get spots regularly, sometimes they ask right when I am about to do a set so I just say, "sure, right after my set", they either get someone else or wait for me. Regardless it is usually no big deal and I get good contacts from it.

10-26-2003, 05:56 PM	#3
Eggs Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 7,008	Well JJJ, you say "Sorry bro, its against my policy to give spots because it interferes with my workout." I just hope one day when you're lifting big and you drop the weight on yourself and are struggling like a ho to get it off... realize that they also have the right to smile at you as you turn red and say the same. So you're going to choke or dump your weights, and either way feel lame. So yeah, I'm just nice enough to spot them. Not only does it make me feel all warm and fuzzy, but one day when I'm needing a spot I have a friend to hook me up.

10-26-2003, 06:08 PM	#4
JJJ Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Under your bed Posts: 1,146	I bring my spotters with me when I go to the gym. People seeing me n my bud working out n thinking "hey hes got a spotter, I can ask him (me) and not have to spot him later". And you just know they want to do negatives with 800 lbs just after I´ve done 45 min of deadlifting. Hm, I am really a nice guy, this thread makes me look evil though.

10-26-2003, 06:40 PM	#5
DaMayor On a Perpetual Bulk Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: ... Posts: 6,145	Although I usually spot others if needed, I can relate to what your saying. Due to time restraints, I would rather stay in the zone, uninterrupted, if given a choice. Eggs is just an exceptionally warm and fuzzy dude, eh?

10-26-2003, 07:07 PM	#8
Pepper Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 4,543	Why are they lazy b/c they need a spot? I don't see what the big deal is. I would rather take 2 minutes and spot somebody between sets than look like an ass. If I just say "I don't want to," that is what I would look like.

10-26-2003, 08:05 PM	#9
Mudge Dieting I swear! Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Here Posts: 23,477 Photos: 1	I dont mind gym comradery really, I think its pretty cool. I had a guy help me do a forced rep (on the smith!) while doing incline presses once and I thought that was cool, I didnt even ask. Thankfully he knew how to spot, he helped me but didn't do it for me.

10-26-2003, 08:24 PM	#10
firestorm P/RR/S Advisor Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: New Jersey Posts: 7,765 Photos: 3	Not giving spots to other trainers is not ethical. I look at anyone who trains as a "brother to the sport" and we all should act like embassidors to this sport and lend a hand whenever possible. Now that doesn't mean to stop your workout and write someone a routine, but to lend a spot is the right thing to do. I've never said no to someone in the gym that required a spot and even took it upon myself to jump over and help someone I saw struggling without having to be asked. Sorry bro but if you want advise on how to turn a cold shoulder to another weight trainer, I can't help you.

10-26-2003, 10:35 PM	#12
Eggs Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 7,008	Yeah, a bad spot can almost ruin a workout. I've had several where one arm on bench was moving a little slower... so they lifted that one side, almost knocking me of the bench. But hey, its all good... at least they meant well. Definitely important to communicate what you want when you are spotting or getting spotted though. Makes it that much more effective and satisfying.

10-26-2003, 10:56 PM	#13
Mudge Dieting I swear! Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Here Posts: 23,477 Photos: 1	Definitely, I remember a spot once over a year ago (without asking) where a dude freaking ripped the bar out of my hands practically and I gave a rough "thanks." Shit man so I'm struggling on my last rep DAMNIT, I am pretty convinced he was trying to show off by how fast he could snatch it, bitch.

10-26-2003, 11:16 PM	#15
Mudge Dieting I swear! Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Here Posts: 23,477 Photos: 1	I want mild assistance, no more, forced rep is nice sometimes too. I hardly ever get a spot though honestly. 1 or 2 fingers is enough for a spot.

10-26-2003, 11:43 PM	#16
firestorm P/RR/S Advisor Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: New Jersey Posts: 7,765 Photos: 3	Well I don't have to worry about any of this hog wash anymore. I traded in my little Golds membership card for a full home gym. No worries here ever again. No bad spots, no b.s. talk, no stealing equipment, no jackass pencil necks asking to work in, no hot thong wearing hos walking by to distract me, and no more anything.

10-27-2003, 02:02 AM	#17
TheGreatSatan Building PC's, not Muscle Elite Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Cutting after a Year! Posts: 11,841 Photos: 16	Tell them you're a weakling and you'll only get them killed.

10-27-2003, 07:02 AM	#18
JJJ Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Under your bed Posts: 1,146	If someone is struggling to get the weight of their chest or whatever ofcourse Ill help em. But the smith machine is not there to strenghten your stabelizers or give you a natural motion, its there to help you train when you are alone. Thinking that your workout is more important them mine is by asking me to spot is... well... not nice. Even more not nice then me saying "sorry bro, dont want to, but ask that guy, he is also on chest day, yall can spot eachother."

10-27-2003, 06:58 PM	#20
Eggs Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 7,008	Today was chest day for me in the gym... was lifting my weights and there was another guy there a little smaller than me that was lifting. He'd worked on the last two so I went and stood a little ways behind the bar just in case he needed a hand or felt like asking me to help him get a few more up because he was just feeling crazy like that. He didnt need it, but I said "Hey bro, if you ever need a spot just tell me." So he thanked me and offered the same. A few minutes later a big guy came up and introduced himself and told me if I needed a spot that he'd be game, and a few times when I was lifting when he wasnt under the weights he'd stand a little ways back from me when I was struggling just to insure my lifts would go well We're supposed to be a brotherhood/sisterhood of people... we have something in common that we all love, and why the heck would we turn such a great situation into a selfish fit about someone else messing with your lifts? If someone asks you and you're about to lift, say "I'll give you a hand right after this set." Then knock it out and go give him/her a hand. Its not going to interfere with your set timing, the only excuse you can have is being selfish. Well, you enjoy your being selfish... and I'm going to enjoy helping my brothers and sisters of iron get bigger and stronger

10-27-2003, 07:22 PM	#21
firestorm P/RR/S Advisor Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: New Jersey Posts: 7,765 Photos: 3	Well I did chest today and needed a spot so I asked myself since I train at home and I had no problem at all spotting myself. I didnt' get pissed or ignore me.

10-27-2003, 07:41 PM	#24
Eggs Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 7,008	btw JJJ, I'm not pointing at you when I'm saying that... just stating my feelings on the matter. How you act in the gym is your own personal business, we dont lift at the same gym

10-27-2003, 07:43 PM	#25
firestorm P/RR/S Advisor Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: New Jersey Posts: 7,765 Photos: 3	Glad you still find me amusing there Rock. hahahaha

10-27-2003, 08:01 PM	#26
BabsieGirl Fighting Endometriosis Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 7,495	JJJ -- I don't see a problem in spotting them. It's not like they're saying. Hey, work out with me! Their partner may have skipped a training day. Remember, you were once in their shoes too. If you absolutely don't want to then just say it. And if part of you wants to and the other half doesn't. Ask them to wait until you're done, then you'll help them out. Maybe ask them to ask a staff member at the gym. I dunno. Eggs -- I'm with ya on what you said. Couldn't agree more. Don't hate the player, hate the game!http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/...the%20wave.GIF Before you talk about what you want - appreciate what you have. http://home.earthlink.net/~gwcaton/s...ctures/tmf.jpg A good marriage would be between a blind wife and a deaf husband. -Honore de Balzac Desire+Consistency='s RESULTS

10-27-2003, 09:08 PM	#27
firestorm P/RR/S Advisor Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: New Jersey Posts: 7,765 Photos: 3	Hey Babs will you spot me here? While your at it move next door to me so I have a spotter 'ALL THE TIME" YEAAAY.

10-28-2003, 08:56 AM	#30
Eggs Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 7,008	Umm, 20 seconds between sets? Not lifting too hard huh? Thats cool, to each their own. I used to know guys that would come in with spandex and put 10s on the bench. They didnt lift too hard either Oh, and I wasnt referring to you FS

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