Compression spotting

[Pseudonym]

So I was training shoulders tonight, doing a seated dumbbell press. A trainer comes over and asks if I'd like a spot. Only once I hit failure, I tell him. OK, he says, I'll just give you "compression spotting".

 

Turns out "compression spotting" means not helping with the lift at all (which is good - I didn't want any help) but just holding the elbows and squeezing them as I push the weight up.

 

I'd never seen anything like this before, so after the set, I asked the guy him about it.

 

The rationale is mainly that it provides tactile feedback which encourages the lifter, knowing the spotter is right there. Fair enough - I spot with a similar philosophy myself, just lightly touching and maybe tapping a lagging elbow. As for the compression side of things, well, it might help the joint when it's under a load... maybe.

 

What do you guys reckon? Have you seen this before? Is there merit in it?

[maccaz]

I see people spot db shoulder press like this often. Doubt its any more than a bit of encouragement and reassuring knowing spots there (nothing wrong with that though)

[HarryB]

I'm pretty sure he just wanted to touch you up. .. wait til you're squatting..

[Rebel101]

I don't know if this is relevant or helpful but when l do heavy db bench presses both incline or flat or db shoulder presses my husband holds firmly my wrists.

This support does not lift the weights but does correct the tracking of the press and l can always push more reps!

[Realtalk]

Isn't that essentially the same as using a machine? The spotter is dictating the line of travel that the weights are moving.

[Rebel101]

Isn't that essentially the same as using a machine? The spotter is dictating the line of travel that the weights are moving.

In my case not at all, the spotter follows my range of movement in the early reps and then continues the same flow.

Essentially continuing my normal range of movement and not interfering with the positioning.

This simply supports the joint.

In any case we are not discussing the range of movement but enhancing the individuals ability to perform more work without assisting but rather compressing the joint most at risk of failure.

[tyreguy]

I remember spotting a guy db bench

who was weak

When I was sort of supporting his elbows..he failed a rep, but his wrists went 1st' then hands released and dropped dbs on his face lol

[Rebel101]

I remember spotting a guy db bench

who was weak

When I was sort of supporting his elbows..he failed a rep, but his wrists went 1st' then hands released and dropped dbs on his face lol

Ouch!

[Realtalk]

In any case we are not discussing the range of movement but enhancing the individuals ability to perform more work without assisting but rather compressing the joint most at risk of failure.

Ever heard of a wrist wrap.

[Rebel101]

Ever heard of a wrist wrap.

I do not need it often and besides that what is wrong with getting some help from a spotter occasionally?

[Pseudonym]

I'm pretty sure he just wanted to touch you up. .. wait til you're squatting..

Hahaha! A gentle squeeze at the bottom of the squat, and the weights would fly up!

[Realtalk]

I do not need it often and besides that what is wrong with getting some help from a spotter occasionally?

Just having you on, you bite so couldn't help myself lol.

[Rebel101]

Just having you on, you bite so couldn't help myself lol.

Very funny, hahahaha! Guess this mini diet is working!

Jeez, one day I will get it!