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training without a spotter

markshark

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for a long while ive been forced to train without a spotter. i dont like to ask everyone to spot me, so generally what i will do is get a spot on my last set of my heavy exercise, so they can help me force out and additional rep or 2, and then try to just push additional reps to failure on other exercises. how do you guys do it??
 
ask a guy in the gym if they can spot me... You said you get a spotter on your last set, so why can't you get one for your other sets too? Unless someone is an asshole, or just really into their training (not many guys at my gym are like this at least) they will spot you
 
I always just ask someone to give me a spot. You shouldn't need a spotter on EVERY set, unless you're hitting failure on every set? Hmm...

I only ever need a spotter on my heaviest sets when I'm going for a certain number of reps or I know I will hit failure.

Just ask someone when you need a spot... Most people are more than happy to do it.
 
Like everyone says just politely ask somebody for a spot and most people will be happy to help. Who knows you may even find a workout partner this way. You shouldn't be doing forced reps so often that you need a spotter on every set or even every day (a topic probably best discussed somewhere else). Just saying you don't want to ask someone for help on 15 sets on chest day.
 
rest - pause. if your final set requires 5 reps, bang out as many as you can, then rest for up to 30 seconds and continue. do this to completion.
 
Never really needed a spotter. I do squats in the power rack so if I can't get it I just drop it on those safety bars. The bench press at my gym have two areas to place the bar: the top area which is where the bar normally rests and the low area which is about 2 inches above my chest. This works out because if I ever fail at the last set I can just place it there and squeeze out from underneath.
 
Sometimes if maxing on bench I'll ask someone who is resting between sets. I've found most people to be nice. Afterwards they usually ask for a spot too, which I happily assist them with.
 
Lack of a training partner is the number one reason I switched to Oly lifting. It was the best thing I have done for my training and wallet as I don't need to train at a gym.
 
Training without a spotter is just fine as long as you know your strength and limits. And yes, most guys in the gym will run your way if you need a quick spot, so you wouldn't really need a dedicated spotter or partner.
 
Just dont bother the guy with the earphones in trying to avoid eye contact with people. Lol.
I hate people asking me for a spot cause I generally like to stay "in the zone".

If theres nobody else in the gym I dont mind spotting, but when theres a bunch of other people and you see me trying to avoid you when you look like your going to ask for a spot... ask someone else, haha.
I think cause I'm big people assume im really strong and would be a good spot.
 
HaHA! ^^ I actually dont mind spotting someone, it doesnt take long and I'm resting between sets anyway. One time I went for one more on bench press than I should and was able to hold it off me and put the bar back down on the bench pad. I've noticed the more you lift the easier it is to know your limits.
 
After years of training alone with freeweights in my home gym I've learned to know when I can do another full rep with proper form. I haven't gotten stuck under a bar during a pressing movement in probably 7 months, and that was just b/c I was being hardheaded.

When I get to the point where I feel I've hit my last perfect form consecutive rep, I choose to either rest in lockout and go on with some rest/pause reps, or loosen form and/or increase bar speed.

When lifting alone, the only really tough part is breaking through that intimidation when you first start going w/o a spot. Beyond that, it's just a matter of paying attention to the signals from your body, and it gets very easy.
 
Yea.. And nothing wrong with a dropping a weight on yourself from time to time.. Toughens you up!
:D haha.
 
Just dont bother the guy with the earphones in trying to avoid eye contact with people. Lol.
I hate people asking me for a spot cause I generally like to stay "in the zone".

If theres nobody else in the gym I dont mind spotting, but when theres a bunch of other people and you see me trying to avoid you when you look like your going to ask for a spot... ask someone else, haha.
I think cause I'm big people assume im really strong and would be a good spot.

Amen brother! people avoid me anyways in my gym. Usually when I go IF theres even anyone there, its a couple jerk-off 100 lb 15 yr olds. I like it when the gym is empty.
Or when the gym is empty and theres one 45 yr old balding mr fitness jerk-off doing curls with way to much weight and swinging dumbells allover the place and he has to stand directly in between YOU and the mirror.
People that are ignorant to gym etiquette need to be shot:mad:
 
Amen brother! people avoid me anyways in my gym. Usually when I go IF theres even anyone there, its a couple jerk-off 100 lb 15 yr olds. I like it when the gym is empty.
Or when the gym is empty and theres one 45 yr old balding mr fitness jerk-off doing curls with way to much weight and swinging dumbells allover the place and he has to stand directly in between YOU and the mirror.
People that are ignorant to gym etiquette need to be shot:mad:

YES! haha.
A guy today was doing a bit of a circuit in the gym.. and using some stuff I needed to use. I ask him how many more sets on the rack, he says 1.. ok fine. He finishes up, looks at me and points to it like its free then walks away.... but he leaves his fucking weights on it. I thought I was going to snap, haha. I was just going to use that agression in my lift so I grab the weight from one side and give him a mean look.. he runs over and takes the weight off the other side. :chomp:

I think what needs to be done, is the next person who ignores gym etiquette should be murder by blunt force with a 120lb DB then hung in the middle of the gym as a warning to the others. :D
 
Amen brother! people avoid me anyways in my gym. Usually when I go IF theres even anyone there, its a couple jerk-off 100 lb 15 yr olds. I like it when the gym is empty.
Or when the gym is empty and theres one 45 yr old balding mr fitness jerk-off doing curls with way to much weight and swinging dumbells allover the place and he has to stand directly in between YOU and the mirror.
People that are ignorant to gym etiquette need to be shot:mad:


That's when you line them up with a 45lb kickback. Takes practice, but you will be launching dumbbells behind your back with accuracy in no time, my son.
 
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