No spotter?
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When i dont have a spotter i dont lift heavy - its dangerous. If my friend cant make it to the gym i just do more reps on a comfortable weight.
This.
When I was working out by myself I didn't lift as heavy as I could because I never had a spotter because there was never any one in the fitness center to spot me. On the off chance that I did have someone spot me I stopped because I didn't trust the guy. He'd always be talking to someone while I'm struggling with my bench press.
I now have been going to the gym with my husband for a few years now and he spots me and pushes me. I would never be able to lift the amount of weight that I do now without him.
If you're going to lift heavy just ask someone at the gym to spot you. People do it all the time and they are more than happy to oblige.0 -
I workout with dumbbells so I don't have to have a spotter, I have no need for a dudes balls to be hanging over my head like the Sword of Damocles.
I think my injuries would be much more severe from me dodging some dudes ball sweat and dropping a bar on my chest than simply letting a couple of dumbbells fall off to the side.
But maybe that's just me...0 -
For what lifts? Can you use a power rack with safety pins\bars?
This.
Although I don't use a spotter for anything. My bench is still in the range where I can roll-of-shame.
You should give it a try! I found that having a spotter helps breaks plateaus. Especially on the bench.
Yeah, I need a workout buddy. All the bros at my gym insist on touching the bar.
Someone touches the bar = rep doesn't count.
Right!!! I've always wondered why it becomes easier when someone has like 2 fingers on the bar :laugh:
What about when the bros need a spot from me? I'm only there to stop you hurting yourself. I'm not sure if I'm being cruel or kind. They usually blurt something out to ask for assistance several seconds before I'd call it a failed attempt.0 -
I've never had a spotter. I should probably have one, though. But, I also just use the weight machines instead of free weights. I only use 10 to 20 pound free weights.0
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Biggest excercise that I love but need a spotter as sometimes I get off balance, step ups. Alternatives? Thoughts. Im up to 110lb with no spotter but that is 3x10. I want to go up in weight but sometimes at that top of the step is when I get off balance. Falling off the box to the side would suck! Usually the husband is there but he is shipping to BCT and I wont have him around.
- JoAnna0 -
Everyone loves a travelling lunge.0
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Everyone loves a travelling lunge.
Will that do the same as step ups?0 -
Biggest excercise that I love but need a spotter as sometimes I get off balance, step ups. Alternatives? Thoughts. Im up to 110lb with no spotter but that is 3x10. I want to go up in weight but sometimes at that top of the step is when I get off balance. Falling off the box to the side would suck! Usually the husband is there but he is shipping to BCT and I wont have him around.
- JoAnna
The one legged smith machine squat is excellent and I prefer this to step ups for hitting your hams, glutes and thighs.
You don't need a spotter because it's on the smith machine and you are able to progressively add more weight to it than you would holding dumb bells during step ups as you get better. It's closer to a compound exercise than the step ups because it requires a little more core. Even doing the bar alone with no weight is beneficial.
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The one legged smith machine squat is excellent and I prefer this to step ups for hitting your hams, glutes and thighs.
You don't need a spotter because it's on the smith machine and you are able to progressively add more weight to it than you would holding dumb bells during step ups as you get better. It's closer to a compound exercise than the step ups because it requires a little more core. Even doing the bar alone with no weight is beneficial.
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Ive been doing the step ups with a bar, I can't hang onto the dumbbells at the weight I am capable of stepping up with. Still the same advice?0 -
The one legged smith machine squat is excellent and I prefer this to step ups for hitting your hams, glutes and thighs.
You don't need a spotter because it's on the smith machine and you are able to progressively add more weight to it than you would holding dumb bells during step ups as you get better. It's closer to a compound exercise than the step ups because it requires a little more core. Even doing the bar alone with no weight is beneficial.
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Ive been doing the step ups with a bar, I can't hang onto the dumbbells at the weight I am capable of stepping up with. Still the same advice?
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I would never recommend anyone does this, and I can't believe there are still people that advocate using smith machines for these types of exercise.0 -
Biggest excercise that I love but need a spotter as sometimes I get off balance, step ups. Alternatives? Thoughts. Im up to 110lb with no spotter but that is 3x10. I want to go up in weight but sometimes at that top of the step is when I get off balance. Falling off the box to the side would suck! Usually the husband is there but he is shipping to BCT and I wont have him around.
- JoAnna
The one legged smith machine squat is excellent and I prefer this to step ups for hitting your hams, glutes and thighs.
You don't need a spotter because it's on the smith machine and you are able to progressively add more weight to it than you would holding dumb bells during step ups as you get better. It's closer to a compound exercise than the step ups because it requires a little more core. Even doing the bar alone with no weight is beneficial.
Smith machines take stabilizers out of the equation. The range of motion is unnatural. NOT recommended0 -
Biggest excercise that I love but need a spotter as sometimes I get off balance, step ups. Alternatives? Thoughts. Im up to 110lb with no spotter but that is 3x10. I want to go up in weight but sometimes at that top of the step is when I get off balance. Falling off the box to the side would suck! Usually the husband is there but he is shipping to BCT and I wont have him around.
- JoAnna
The one legged smith machine squat is excellent and I prefer this to step ups for hitting your hams, glutes and thighs.
You don't need a spotter because it's on the smith machine and you are able to progressively add more weight to it than you would holding dumb bells during step ups as you get better. It's closer to a compound exercise than the step ups because it requires a little more core. Even doing the bar alone with no weight is beneficial.
Smith machines take stabilizers out of the equation. The range of motion is unnatural. NOT recommended
I was thinking the same thing. I hate the Smith machine. But I still need alternatives?0 -
Biggest excercise that I love but need a spotter as sometimes I get off balance, step ups. Alternatives? Thoughts. Im up to 110lb with no spotter but that is 3x10. I want to go up in weight but sometimes at that top of the step is when I get off balance. Falling off the box to the side would suck! Usually the husband is there but he is shipping to BCT and I wont have him around.
- JoAnna
The one legged smith machine squat is excellent and I prefer this to step ups for hitting your hams, glutes and thighs.
You don't need a spotter because it's on the smith machine and you are able to progressively add more weight to it than you would holding dumb bells during step ups as you get better. It's closer to a compound exercise than the step ups because it requires a little more core. Even doing the bar alone with no weight is beneficial.
Smith machines take stabilizers out of the equation. The range of motion is unnatural. NOT recommended
I was thinking the same thing. I hate the Smith machine. But I still need alternatives?
I do barbell lunges in the squat rack.0 -
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:I workout with dumbbells so I don't have to have a spotter, I have no need for a dudes balls to be hanging over my head like the Sword of Damocles.
I think my injuries would be much more severe from me dodging some dudes ball sweat and dropping a bar on my chest than simply letting a couple of dumbbells fall off to the side.
But maybe that's just me...0 -
I ask 2-3 guys to spot me on squats all the time, and I'm about as shy as they come.
I never hesitate to ask for a spot on bench if I need it as well.
Everything else I do a spotter is unnecessary.0 -
I usually only do dumbbell bench presses for two reasons: 1. It's better for my shoulders and 2. I don't have to worry about having a spotter; if I get stuck, I could just drop the weights. Perhaps you could use dumbells for squats and other exercises if you don't have someone to spot you.0
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For everyone that works out in a gym: If you need a spotter, EVERYONE around you is your potential spotter. All you have to do is ask. In 20 years, only one person has ever told me no.
For the OP: If step ups are the main thing you want a spotter for, just switch to walking lunges. It will be similar and you won't need a spot. Also, IMHO, spotters are only there for peace of mind on step ups. You're too high and the center of gravity is much too high for a spotter to do very much.0 -
Ask for a spotter if you're in the gym.
if not, have a power rack, or find a workout partner.0 -
I've only ever needed a spotter for bench press. How do you even spot someone on squats??0
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I've only ever needed a spotter for bench press. How do you even spot someone on squats??
two ways.
safe: One person on each side, ready to catch the barbell in the crook of their elbow AT THE SAME TIME.
Solo: Other person basically spooning you, ready to do a zirchir squat.
Yeah...0
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