No spotter???

[Freeman]

So what do I do if I don't have a spotter for something like flat bench? My gym is pretty empty a lot this time of year. I don't have a lifting partner and usualy the staff trainers are too damn busy doing other crap. I've tried doing bench on the smith machine but I feel like it's too much like cheating. We have a Hammer Strength machine, is that a good sub? I want to really push myself, but if I do, I might reach failure and slam myself in the face or chest, and boy that would suck!

 

[dvlmn666]

I like the hammer strength ones. And if your cheating on the smith add more weight.

 

[KataMaStEr]

If you don't have a spotter it is really not a big deal only when you'r maxing out. You gota know your limits, if you know you can't get one more rep in don't do it, if you do and cant get it don't get freak out lean to one side and use your body weight to throw them to your side are ask for help. I'm sure someone will help you. Well man take it easy.

 

[Arnold]

Most of the time I lift alone, no spotter. Forced reps are great, but they're not necessary for growth (that is all that a spotter is good for anyway).

Smith Machines are great, why do you feel that you're cheating?

 

[Josh]

I always use smith machine for bench presses when there is no spotter (or anybody in the morning), and pretty satisfied.

- Josh

 

[Scotty the Body]

Does your gym have a squat rack? When I'm going to max out or want to do some negative reps, I use the squat racks and just set the safty bars at just above my chest.

OR

Use Dumb bells, thats what I've been using for chest these days.

 

[Arnold]

Scotty, you are a dumbbell!

 

[david]

That would be interesting to see. Benching on a squat rack. I've seen worse. Prince you are too funny

Since Prince mentioned DB's, how far does the weights go up to for DB's? 100 + lb dumbbells is just as good if not, just as tough. Also, a great workout.

 

[Scotty the Body]

Originally posted by Prince
Scotty, you are a dumbbell!

Busted...........................better than being a Dumbass!!

 

[Scotty the Body]

Ooooops, sorry Mule.

 

[Freeman]

Most of the time I lift alone, no spotter. Forced reps are great, but they're not necessary for growth (that is all that a spotter is good for anyway).

Smith Machines are great, why do you feel that you're cheating?


__________________


I feel like I'm cheating b/c I'm not using any of my stabilizing muscles to keep it balanced. The machine does that for me. IT also just seems easier to lift on a smith. I can do more on a smith than I can regular.

 

[TriZZle305]

i always workout alone because im an ass when someone doesnt spot like i want them too.... if youre going for your max i suggest what scotty is a great idea i wish i had thought of it sooner... or you can leave the clamps off and if you cant get it lean to one side and let off the weight then lean to the other side and let of the rest.... i had to do this once !!! im glad it wasnt in the gym i wouldve been really embarassed