Benching without a spotter.

[mattf485]

Hey, how much of a difference does it make if you do or do not have a spotter to help you get those last reps.

I know that it is better to have a spotter because it makes you get those last reps that really burn.

Most of the time I don't have a spot, so I feel like I'm not really getting anywhere. I do my reps and then don't feel burnt out.

[BabyBodybuilder]

Originally Posted by mattf485

Hey, how much of a difference does it make if you do or do not have a spotter to help you get those last reps.

I know that it is better to have a spotter because it makes you get those last reps that really burn.

Most of the time I don't have a spot, so I feel like I'm not really getting anywhere. I do my reps and then don't feel burnt out.

Taking every set past failure is an easy way to burn out your CNS. The "burn" doesn't indicate growth, progressive overload and weight gain do.

BTW.. Why is this in MISC.

[Kanji4488]

go for dumbells. that way you can go to failure and just drop the weight with a bench press you can actually hurt yourself. or just ask some guy to spot you...

[CLiTMASTA]

Don't Bench Without A Spotter!!!!!!

[sk888]

do 3 sets with a barbell then switch to dumbells

[amc11890]

i always bench without a spotter, but i also know when to stop.

[cabocoleman]

Using barbells to bench pressure can be dangerous without a spotter. If for what ever reason you suddenly can't control the barbell, benching without a spotter can be dangerous. Some people say to tilt the weight on one side so the weights will fall off but if the weights are secured by clamps, then you are in trouble. Dumbells or Smith Machines are the best alternative if you don't have a spotter.

[oumoklaklak]

Having a spot really helps mentally. Instead of worrying about having enough energy left over, you can focus on giving it your max and if you can't keep going, your spotter's got your back....

[user87459310247]

Load up 110% of your 1RM.
Forget to ask for a spot.
Do 3 sets of 5.

[iron_m!ke]

Originally Posted by mattf485

Hey, how much of a difference does it make if you do or do not have a spotter to help you get those last reps.

I know that it is better to have a spotter because it makes you get those last reps that really burn.

Most of the time I don't have a spot, so I feel like I'm not really getting anywhere. I do my reps and then don't feel burnt out.

i only bench with a spotter these days... and i always make sure its a good and experienced spotter used to me when im benching 225+

[Errorist]

I dont ever use a spotter unless I have mild shoulder pains and feel like theres a chance of my shoulders blowing out or something. The benches at my gym have a second rack thats right above chest level incase I cant lock it out though. Also, I never burn myself out on sets. I always leave room for 1-3 more reps unless Im nearing a plateau.

[moneymane]

i just use teh smith machine when no one can spot me when im maxing out

[GotMilk7]

Originally Posted by cabocoleman

Using barbells to bench pressure can be dangerous without a spotter. If for what ever reason you suddenly can't control the barbell, benching without a spotter can be dangerous. Some people say to tilt the weight on one side so the weights will fall off but if the weights are secured by clamps, then you are in trouble. Dumbells or Smith Machines are the best alternative if you don't have a spotter.

Yeah, that's why I don't use clamps. Dangerous stuff.

[GymRatFromMS]

Do dumbells if you don't have a spotter for barbell. It's much easier to drop the dumbells compared to getting a barbell off your chest.

[jpadilla]

Originally Posted by mattf485

Hey, how much of a difference does it make if you do or do not have a spotter to help you get those last reps.

I know that it is better to have a spotter because it makes you get those last reps that really burn.

Most of the time I don't have a spot, so I feel like I'm not really getting anywhere. I do my reps and then don't feel burnt out.

i almost always bench without a spotter.....really the only time i use a spotter is to test my 1 rep max


edit: even then, i put no collars on my bar, so if i get in a pickle(which i have) just let the weights drop

and am i the only one who finds it completely annoying when you ask someone to spot you and they touch the bar? i mean, they are probably giving it no lift, but it really annoys the **** out of me that they even touch it, if i need help, theyll know, ill say something, which is why i avoid the **** and lift solo

[FunkLord]

I never use a spotter, but I bench in my power rack. I have the bars set where I can bring the bar down to my chest without touching the bars, but if I move it towards my neck, it'll catch and I can slide off to the side.

[Bravodor]

I always bench without one except on max obviously.

If I get stuck, well **** it Ill just arch my back and cheat it up to the low pegs (2 sets of pegs, one is much lower than the normal ones).

If not Its not like Im going to drop it, Im not in any danger, just call for a spot if someone hasnt seen you and is on their way over all ready.


Ive never needed an "emergency" spot, I can always cheat it up to the low pegs.



I really do wish I had a reliable workout partner...I go with friends but they arent committed nor on my scheduel.

[mattf485]

Thanks for the info guys. I'm just trying to figure out if I can get stronger faster if I have a spot. I always get more sore when someone spots me, but I guess that not always a good thing.

[Southern Cross]

I always use a spotter, it helps a lot mentally like someone above said.

[Jenslyn17]

I very often bench without a spotter but I've grown hesitant to do so... I dunno why but I've developed an extremely wide grip where I really can't rack the bar without getting my skin in between the bar and rack. Doesn't look pretty afterwards

[stealth_swimmer]

Originally Posted by amc11890

i always bench without a spotter, but i also know when to stop.

x2

When I know i can't get any more then I stop. Some folks don't believe in that but I don't care. So long as I'm adding reps and then eventually weight then it means I'm still progressing and that's what matters.

[Bravodor]

Originally Posted by Jenslyn17

I very often bench without a spotter but I've grown hesitant to do so... I dunno why but I've developed an extremely wide grip where I really can't rack the bar without getting my skin in between the bar and rack. Doesn't look pretty afterwards

Thats too wide man.

Your barely moving the bar, your range of motion is shot.

I generally use a thumbs length off the starting point of the grip on an olympic, its a kinda closer grip, but I used to use a really close one, so its comfrotable for me.

Mine should be a little wider, and yours should be much closer.

[jlick]

9 out of 10 times i work out alone. if i am with a friend tho, we spot each other other, which for my atleast is usually just counting my reps.

[jvinci]

Originally Posted by jpadilla

i almost always bench without a spotter.....really the only time i use a spotter is to test my 1 rep max


edit: even then, i put no collars on my bar, so if i get in a pickle(which i have) just let the weights drop

and am i the only one who finds it completely annoying when you ask someone to spot you and they touch the bar? i mean, they are probably giving it no lift, but it really annoys the **** out of me that they even touch it, if i need help, theyll know, ill say something, which is why i avoid the **** and lift solo

ya but... have YOU noticed that when someone puts their hands on the bar, even if they arent giving it any lift, your brain THINKS they are, thus making the weight feel easier/lighter than it really is.

thats always nice

[MMA Superstar 2]

When I first started lifting at 15, I was stupid enough not to use a spotter when I tried maxing out at 145 lol

I just laid there on the flat bench waiting for someone to get the bar off my damn chest. This happened a few times, and I've learned my lesson.

[niCe99]

use dumbells

[Jenslyn17]

Originally Posted by Bravodor

Thats too wide man.

Your barely moving the bar, your range of motion is shot.

I generally use a thumbs length off the starting point of the grip on an olympic, its a kinda closer grip, but I used to use a really close one, so its comfrotable for me.

Mine should be a little wider, and yours should be much closer.

Hmm I think we're using different equipment because I don't think its that bad. I'm using something called Technogym. Think its from Italy or something and maybe a bit too fitness-oriented where I don't think the bars a quite as wide as those you would tend to use.

However, I do agree that I should bench a bit closer optimally.

Its wierd cause I was known to have a very narrow grip and very little chest development. I kinda figured it may've had something to do with that and so gradually my grip became wider and now I'm strongest in that position. Chest is a little better but not profoundly so.

Anyway thanks for the tip I'll prolly try to adjust my bench width a bit