Heavy lifting with no spot?

[BlkWS6]

I just had to join a new gym due to the banning of chalk at my old one. My question is do any of you lift heavy without a spot and use the pins just in case you get stuck? I wont know anyone at the new gym and getting someone to spot me for a 5x5 is asking a whole lot, so Im thinking of just setting the weight up (bench today) in the rack putting the pins in and hoping for the best. Im just worried that I wont be able to get the pins at the right height in order to give me a full range of motion, as well as providing me area to get out from under if it comes crashing down. Anyone bench in the rack with pins? I have done it with squats no problem, but bench just seems like it would be more difficult to set up in there. I was just wondering if anyone has to do a similiar set up and how it works. Thanks

 

[Thaibox]

I've tried it and it worked okay. Just make sure the bars are lower than your bottom and not higher. Tapping that bar half way through your set will destroy your rep. If you have to dump it, it will still smoosh you a little, but not bad...then you can just roll it down to your abs and slide out.

 

[gettinlarger]

Do incline presses in a rack. Set the pins lower than where you would touch your chest. If the weight becomes a problem, just roll it down your chest to the pins.

 

[Deleted member 33117]

I do all of my presses & squats in the rack. It eliminates the need for a spotter, and is probably safer than trusting some 180 ibs to spot you, who will not be able to pick the weight up off of you if you get into trouble.

 

[Mike_Rojas]

I use the pins on benches. I just lose the arch in my back, roll the bar down, and the bar goes right to the pins - no problem.

 

[SofaGeorge]

I squat with a safety bar set a couple inches below my bottom. I can't get a good spotter to save my life... so I have to rely on the bar. If you can't get out of the hole... you can't get out.

Cages and safety bars aren't as good as a spot... but they let you go to the end just fine.

 

[pillsbury]

why do you feel it is too much to ask, (a spot that is???)

 

[Devastation]

I lift in my basement heavy with basically no spot. I've rolled 350 off my chest so many times I've lost count. The only time I freaked out was when I was doing board presses and got stuck with 385. I arched my back high enough I gained leverage and got the bar racked. I usually make sure my wife is at least home when I do those now.

 

[jackangel]

Rolling 350? Eesh! Sounds like a drag.

 

[BlkWS6]

Great thanks for all the replies everyone, I have much more confidence now setting up in the rack. My only problem is that when I put a flat bench in the rack to do bench I find that the bench moves around slightly from leg drive which can throw off an entire set. On the actual bench press aparatus the rack and bench are both fully secured. Im thinking maybe I should put some plates on the flat bench to make sure it doesnt move.