is it easy to find a spotter?

[dog20]

i plan on going to the gym solo. is it easy to get someone to spot for me? i usually don't like bugging people lol.

[PhiSigPhi]

I never have a problem. Heck, I get asked all the time. Just dont make someone spot you with a weight you KNOW you'll need help with b/c, well thats annoying and it effects my workout =P

[TorontoMoFo]

Just ask.

I usually dont because i dont like to bother people, but sometimes when i feel like i REALLY need to go heavy, and i dont have any buddies with me, i just ask.

[Cammo]

Make sure you ask someone who looks like they have a clue.

I asked a guy to spot me on DB presses once & he tried to stand over me & wrap his hands around mine on the DB's .

The gym instructors working the floor are paid to help you - ask one of them.

[PhiSigPhi]

Originally Posted by Cammo

The gym instructors working the floor are paid to help you - ask one of them.

Except at my college =P. They aren't allowed to spot. The schools don't want the liability. WHats wrong with america today?? Get sued for helpin someone i f*cking swear

[Cammo]

Originally Posted by PhiSigPhi

Except at my college =P. They aren't allowed to spot. The schools don't want the liability. WHats wrong with america today?? Get sued for helpin someone i f*cking swear

That's fvcked up!

[Merk0135]

Yeup, don't just ask some shmoe who looks like he's never lifted before. If you ask a guy who obviously works out frequently he'll understand the need for a spotter and generally won't have a problem giving you a spot. Just ask politely and try to notice if he is doing drop sets or a routine that you aren't interferring with.

[narcsarge]

I agree with the posts above. Never be afraid to ask. It is great way to introduce yourself to those that you will be sharing the room with. And like Cammo says, don't pick the guy that 125lbs soaking wet and wearing spandex with hiking boots. If your gym has ladies that work out there use the ones that are not afraid to lift heavy. Also, make sure to tell your spotter how you want the spot done, where you have trouble in the lift (ie: when I bench, I will always die after the first 6" off my chest), and how many reps you are going for. If the spotter makes you really struggle through your set, don't be embarrased to call off the last rep or 2. My first instruction to any spotter I chose is ALWAYS keep the weight moving. Don't lift it, but don't let it stop either.

[PhiSigPhi]

Originally Posted by Cammo

That's fvcked up!

Yeah no kidding. I always work out by myself, and I'm just like, "YOU ARENT DOING ANYTHING, HELP ME DAMN IT!"

[dog20]

good. i was afraid that the people would say, "im only allowed to rest for 1 min!! i can't help you asshole!!"

[Cammo]

Originally Posted by dog20

good. i was afraid that the people would say, "im only allowed to rest for 1 min!! i can't help you asshole!!"

They'll probably just let you blow a shoulder joint so you'll never ask them again .

[man_i_dono]

Originally Posted by Cammo

Make sure you ask someone who looks like they have a clue.

I asked a guy to spot me on DB presses once & he tried to stand over me & wrap his hands around mine on the DB's .

The gym instructors working the floor are paid to help you - ask one of them.

also ask someone who wud b able to pick up the weight ur doing.. =p .. if ur benching 400, i wont b a big help 4 ya

[Cammo]

Originally Posted by man_i_dono

also ask someone who wud b able to pick up the weight ur doing.. =p .. if ur benching 400, i wont b a big help 4 ya

I don't think dog will have that problem!

[dog20]

hehe when i get strong i'll be like, "can someone spot for me, i might struggle with this 800lb bench "

[NiteHawk]

Originally Posted by PhiSigPhi

Except at my college =P. They aren't allowed to spot. The schools don't want the liability. WHats wrong with america today?? Get sued for helpin someone i f*cking swear

That is messed up. So go ahead and let the weight fall on you. Good philosophy. Could be another liability right there..

[PhiSigPhi]

Originally Posted by NiteHawk

That is messed up. So go ahead and let the weight fall on you. Good philosophy. Could be another liability right there..

Well i'm sure if you were killing yourself, they would get up and get the weight off, but theres a big sign that says "Do not ask the employees for Spots" I'm assuming (since I'm a business major and we learn abotu all these liability issues and it makes sense) that it is because if they don't offer to spot you in the first place, and you DO hurt yourself, its not the fault of the schools.

Another thing that annoys me is the make us put collars on the weight. While I agree with this with like Squats and stuff b/c you have racks to catch the weight, when Benching and I drop the weight on my chest, I would love the option to dump the weight! O well, I make due.

[NiteHawk]

That explains it more. But I agree dog, look around, Im sure you can find someone willing to give you a spot.

[Merk0135]

Originally Posted by PhiSigPhi

Well i'm sure if you were killing yourself, they would get up and get the weight off, but theres a big sign that says "Do not ask the employees for Spots" I'm assuming (since I'm a business major and we learn abotu all these liability issues and it makes sense) that it is because if they don't offer to spot you in the first place, and you DO hurt yourself, its not the fault of the schools.

Another thing that annoys me is the make us put collars on the weight. While I agree with this with like Squats and stuff b/c you have racks to catch the weight, when Benching and I drop the weight on my chest, I would love the option to dump the weight! O well, I make due.

putting collars on for bench press is dangerous and stupid. That school sound dumb, lol.

[dog20]

im sure they will be nice. its just that im shy hehe.

[union]

when you go to a gym long enough, you know everyone pretty well that it should be pretty easy to get a spot here and there.

If your new you might just have to ask the person next to you.