what do u guys do when u dont have a spot?

[macDbol]

for me its dumbells instead of barbell for chest,,,and i whip out the smith machine for the military press....give me some other subustitutions you guys use when u dont have a spot around(ps...i hate asking ppl that i dont know for a spot,it feels like im bothering them)

 

[Y_lifter]

I've seen people roll a bench into the power Rack and set the bars so they can do Bench and have something to catch the bar of they fail.

Also, Don't be worried about asking for a spot.
Just make sure the Bro or Chica is in between sets.
You may find a training partner or at least someone to ask for a spot next time as long as you do the same...

 

[Freak Show]

Just ask someone. I have to ask strangers all the time, cuz I hardly ever have someone with me. Its not that big a deal to 99% of the people you ask. Good way to meet a potential training partner.

 

[tarzan21]

hey y_lifter would you really have a chick spot you.
i dont think i could because my bench is always to failure and on that last rep my spotter probably gets 80% of it, its pretty much a negative. i think i would fear for my life or at least my face.

 

[nugg]

THE RACK

Allows you to go super heavy, without concern of dropping the weight on your face, or pinning yourself to the bench.

Also allows you to do (range) work- 1/4's , partials , lockouts etc...

 

[gymtime]

I agree with Freak and Y. A spotter, one who knows his ass from a hole in the ground, will always help you get that last, all-important rep out. A rack is better than nothing, but it can't do that.

If you're like most of us, you probably felt intimidated by just walking into a gym when you first started, but that went away right? Same with asking for spots. It'll become normal after a while. Most guys will be happy to help you out.

 

[nugg]

When I used to use spotters

I had a hard time going to true failure on that last heavy set. When I smask the bar of the saftey pins in the rack from exhaustion- I feel that this is much better than getting someone to help you finish the rep.

Reliance on a spot to get the weight up has hurt my progress in the past, funny-2 years ago I got 295 for 7 reps with a "spotter" , although 2 weeks later I could get 270 for 6 solo.

I dropped spotters, and my true bench has gone up dramatically.

 

[MonStar1023]

Whatsup bro? When I dont have a spotter, which is VERY often because I workout in my basement.. I really have a lot of trouble going extremely heavy. Especially on bench and exercises like that. Its a real shame to be honest because I can go alot heavier.

I workout in my basement a lot of times and really cant go as heavy as I would like.

 

[Y_lifter]

Agreed... I only go with the Fem's in a pinch.

There are usually at least 2 trainers in the Free area, and most of the girls at the Y's are not only Hot, but pretty strong. There's on that's a real Amazon princess.

Usually I'll look and find someone that looks like they know a DB from a BB and ask them.

 

[DTOX]

If you bench press in the squat rack...you just might be a redneck!!!

If you can't ask someone to spot you then maybe you shouldn't go to the gym at all. You should stay at home and use your bowflex.