Benching with out a spotter.

[boostinggtir]

So do you guys still hit the bench with out a spotter? I've been doing high rep training lately, so it's not like I'm using heavy weights, where a spotter would probably be essential.

I don't consistently have a training partner so I might get a personal trainer again, as I'm about to start bulking. Any way, what's your tips for going solo on a chest day. Cheers

[soundsgood]

You could always bench with the Smith machine?

I find the Smith position too un-natural for me so I ALWAYS someone up for a spot on the bench when Im going heavy. You cant push out those last neg reps without a spotter. I can't really recall anyone saying no, but you have to make sure they CAN spot, IE don't grab the bar from the first rep, unless thats the kind of spotting your after :pfft:

[Luigi]

dont you two go to the same gym ? cant soundsgood just spot you ??

[soundsgood]

He still hasn't made himself known to me yet. I have my suspicions though :think:

Yes I spot anyone who asks me to. Plus any PT worth their salt should come and give you a spot if you ask them nicely.

[boostinggtir]

dont you two go to the same gym ? cant soundsgood just spot you ??

Nar, because I tell every one I bench three times what I actually can, an don't wanna get exposed. But seriously if I see him, I'll definitely hit him up. I've been training at fastlane fitness in Te rapa a bit lately, there's some big dudes there an it keeps me hungry, even though I've been losing size not gaining, but thats how it goes with cutting.

[GHOSTN]

if i havent got a spotter and wanna go heavy i just get the dumbells, atleast when you fail you can throw them rather than get crushed

[teamfatboy]

Yep, I'd ask a PT or whatever for a spot if they're around... but db's is also a good idea...unless you're at my gym where the whiny folks will grizzle at the noise...wtf!

[thatwaslight]

dumbell bench....

[1day]

dumbell bench....

:ditto:

[orange]

Ask anyone to spot you - it's a great way to make new friends at the gym.

[startinfromscratch]

i have the exact same prob, i dont even do bb bench. just do all benching with dbs, i feel too stink to interrupt a strangers workout to spot me...

[soundsgood]

i have the exact same prob, i dont even do bb bench. just do all benching with dbs, i feel too stink to interrupt a strangers workout to spot me...

Dont feel stink, just pick the right moment. Its the best ice breaker at the gym 'Grab a spot bro?' :grin:

[Luigi]

i have the exact same prob, i dont even do bb bench. just do all benching with dbs, i feel too stink to interrupt a strangers workout to spot me...

Dont feel stink, just pick the right moment. Its the best ice breaker at the gym 'Grab a spot bro?' :grin:

lol be careful who you ask that one too

[auck_builder]

:smoke:

[keats]

Dont feel stink, just pick the right moment. Its the best ice breaker at the gym 'Grab a spot bro?' :grin:

Might end up with someone selling you some weed with that question. Especially in Hams

[nicksmith3]

if i havent got a spotter and wanna go heavy i just get the dumbells, atleast when you fail you can throw them rather than get crushed

Throw em' like Ronnie! (Les Mills 'LOVES' it when people throw the dumbells) :pfft: :pfft:

[SportsGuru]

if i havent got a spotter and wanna go heavy i just get the dumbells, atleast when you fail you can throw them rather than get crushed

Throw em' like Ronnie! (Les Mills 'LOVES' it when people throw the dumbells) :pfft: :pfft:

lol yeah we do

[boostinggtir]

if i havent got a spotter and wanna go heavy i just get the dumbells, atleast when you fail you can throw them rather than get crushed

Throw em' like Ronnie! (Les Mills 'LOVES' it when people throw the dumbells) :pfft: :pfft:

lol yeah we do

Yea I do this to impress people.

[bigmd]

Get to know your limitations, and you shouldnt have any probs. if you are doing 1 to 4 reps i wouldnt do with out a spoter but 5+ and your sensible you will get to learn your limits.

Other wise D/B are the way to go and even if you fail place some matting in your drop zone, at tleast it makes it look as if you are trying to be PC in the gym.

[disasterpiece]

Throw em' like Ronnie! (Les Mills 'LOVES' it when people throw the dumbells) :pfft: :pfft:

lol yeah we do

Yea I do this to impress people.

No surprises there

[Sportsgirl]

I normally do because I bench in one of those good ass-power cages, so I set the pins to an appropriate height if I need to dump the weight.

[cantgetenough]

I prefer db to bb benchpresses personally, I have long arms so bb makes it quite hard on a standard setup. Otherwise, I use Hammer strength machines, which I enjoy a whole lot more than bb benchpress.

Though doing it on a hammer strength just isnt as "impressive" I've been told. Quite frankly, don't give a shit.

[AlBundy]

f*ck it just do it if you get stuck you get stuck. Don't over do it if the last rep was a major struggle dont go for another one. Common sense.

[startinfromscratch]

i just today returned to bbell on chest day, and yea common sense prevails, you should know wether or not you def have another rep in you.BUT- to me any set where you can go TO or PAST failure(ie spotted) is more beneficial than sets finished on last complete rep (solo). you can get close to fail, but that little extra work on that last partial rep/s can be the difference between a little progression and alot of progression.imo. other thoughts?

[Varven]

I normally do because I bench in one of those good ass-power cages, so I set the pins to an appropriate height if I need to dump the weight.

How does that work?

Cause my benches are literally paused on my chest, which means bars have to be lower than my chest, which means I could get stuck with bar on me...

or do you sacrifice that say last inch above your chest ?