Regardless of whether you like to lift by yourself or hit the gym with a buddy, some exercises should not be performed unless a spotter is present.
Spotters fulfill several roles.
First and foremost, they are a safety. If for some reason you can no longer support a weight, a spotter will be able to relieve you so that you do not drop the weight or hurt yourself trying to hold it up. This is especially useful on the last one or two reps, when you are really feeling the burn. Incidentally, this is also when you build muscle. A good spotter will also provide encouragement, and constructive criticism on lifting technique.
Finding a good spotter can be hard, especially if you're the type to go to the gym by yourself. If you're a regular, you might meet a gym buddy. However, I personally prefer to go with a friend. This way, I avoid interrupting someone else' workout to have them help me (although most people I've met are quite willing to help you out, I'm just the type to go about my own business without bugging others).
Aside from that, going with someone you know gives you someone to work out with the entire time, who can provide motivation and assessment. Additionally, the longer you two work out together, the more you learn about eachother's preferences when spotting. Your spotter can identify when you need help with a rep, and give you just enough aid to help you complete it.
How often do you go to the gym with a buddy? Do you ask for someone to spot you when you're alone or do you continue the workout without any help?
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Comments (7)
I guess I'm not that far along at the gym. I stick to the weight lifting I can do by myself.
I'm usually the one on the elliptical machine and the ab crunch roller.
I prefer working out with someone else, but I almost never go to the gym anymore. Â Instead, I run and cycle outside, play racquetball, do some yoga, or do some other form of exercise that involves staying away from being stuck inside.
i totally agree
though my spotter dropped the bar on me last week. then proceeded to tell people that he picked the bar off my vagina....how that is possible i don't know especially considering i was still partly holding up the bar when he dropped it on me....anyways my point is, try to pick a spotter who is not a perv and won't drop the bar on you and embrassas you in front of the hot guy...
Naw, having a gym buddy takes up too much time. I rarely use a spotter.
I frequent the gym alone because I don't like to have too much talking when working out. It increases the time there
But when I do want a spotter, I always look for someone capable. You can kinda tell from one's physique. I don't mind when people ask me to spot them at all and I don't think others do either. Just make sure you ask at the right time (like... ask when they're NOT lifting and right before they are about to get into a lift).
I go to the gym five days a week. I do not ask for a spotter unless I need one and I usually ask my friend.
@tastytimmm@xanga - I totally agree with you. I go with my friend to the gym, but I would much prefer to go alone. However I am afraid of hurting his feelings. He likes to interrupt my workout to carry on a conversation. I prefer to put on my MP3 player, do my workout and go home.