Ricky10
Well-known member
I'll chime in on spotting because it's the elephant in this room.
I used to ask and do it for others, and if anyone asked me for one today, I'd be surprised because my gym sucks and doesn't have a free weight bench. I have to use the smith machine.
That said, having a spot is great for the following: (Some reiterations of others)
- 1 rep maximums (It happens)
- Those who are doing 2 second plus sets. (i.e., 8, 2, 2)
- Anyone whom is nervous benching, or squatting any weight, or new to weight lifting
- Someone recovering from an injury at times can cause sudden muscle or coordination failure
- They might be under age for the gym and require a spotter or accompaniment of an adult (Free weights, Liability)
- Big Baby Men (Just kidding)
Now, I don't want to get on anyone for having an opposite opinion for spotting. Some people don't feel
comfortable being a spotter.
An intersting point, some gyms have trainers (I used to been) whom would navigate the floor and be the spotter for anyone instead of members of the gym because they are bonded and insured against a potential law suit. Imagine spotting someone and they get hurt. Can they sue you? Maybe, but I'm not a lawyer. Can someone chime in on that potentiality?
Exercise in good health!
I think it is important for people that do not feel comfortable spotting, or may have limited time in the gym to feel comfortable refusing. Reality is, the spotter is also placed at risk in many situations.



