Thread: spotter

I use dumbells for benching that way worse comes to worse I can just drop the weights if I need to.

Or just ask someone at the gym to spot you when your on your heaviest set. Usually people dont mind helping out for a set or 2.

You could always use a Smith machine if worse comes to worse.

bah thanks I dunno why I didn't think of that

bodybuilders do not need spotters, I have been working out alone for years.

I only do DB benches. I think they're much more effective than BB benches and you can go as heavy as you want without a spotter, as mentioned above.

Do squats in a power cage, so that the pins can catch the weight if you drop it.

Do squats in a power cage, so that the pins can catch the weight if you drop it.

my gym doesnt even have a cage. It only has a squat rack that looks like this http://img.epinions.com/images/opti/...resized200.jpg

so its either that, or the smith machine

I never have a spotter, but I generally don't do incline or decline BB bench presses, I use DB's for those. Also, I use a power rack for benching and squating so I can set the stops where I need them if I need them. If I'm uncertain about weight on a particular day, or I'm feeling weaker than normal, sometimes I'll just ask a random person to spot me.

Dang Shiz, that kind of sucks there's no power racks in your gym... Are there any better gyms in there area, or do you usually have a spotter?

Dang Shiz, that kind of sucks there's no power racks in your gym... Are there any better gyms in there area, or do you usually have a spotter?

Yes, there's a Gold's Gym in my town too, like a 10 minute drive the opposite way i go to my current gym now. The reason i am not switching yet is because i'm still a member through August (until i go to college) so there is no point in wasting money and signing up right now. The gym at my college looks sweet though, it's for everyone and it's really big and has everything i need. I can't wait! so..when i come back home for winter/spring break and eventually the summer, i will sign up at gold's gym. I havent seen the inside yet, so i will check it out first to see if it has what i need and then ill consider it.

Originally Posted by Hawkin

I was always told that you need a spotter when doing things like bench and squats. I really want/need to do these excercises, but I dont have a workout partner, and have no one to spot me. Can I do these without a spotter and still keep my normal weight on or should I lighten up?

Hey Hawkin;

Here are two possible solutions to your dilemma.

1. Using DB's. I work out alone at home and when doing heavy DB presses whether flat, incline or decline, I use "Power Hooks". They are the greatest. Here's the link, check it out. "Powerhooks.com"

2. Squats/BP's. My squats are not the heaviest (200-270) during my w/o but, I do them w/o the collars. If I have to drop the bar, I would do one side, then the other. It'll probably make a hell of lot of noise but who cares I’m at home. As you know, many gyms do not allow dropping of weights.
When your at a gym and don't have a spotter, you've got to know your limitations. When doing your BP or Squats keep your normal weight; however, if you think you may have a problem, just decrease the reps and rack the bar, recover and go again. As you go up in weight don't increase by more than 10 lbs. You'll do fine.

Peace