To the lifters...would you be annoyed if...

2

Replies

  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    I spot all of the time when I'm between sets...you ask, I spot.
  • Krueger92
    Krueger92 Posts: 109 Member
    Not at all
  • dixiewhiskey
    dixiewhiskey Posts: 3,333 Member
    Not at all.. safety of everyone is really important to me when I am at the gym
  • jonnythan
    jonnythan Posts: 10,161 Member
    This thread would be a lot more interesting if someone said "Yes, I would be annoyed. I'm there for myself not for you."
  • K_Serz
    K_Serz Posts: 1,299 Member
    Ok...I just started a lifting routine. Currently only doing 60 pounds on the bench press and yes, my arms are stressed on the last couple reps (do 2 sets of 10/12 reps). I would like to try and up the amount by 5 or 10 pounds, but I don't have someone to spot me and really don't want to drop it on my chest. So to all the lifters, how annoyed would you be if while you were between sets of something else or just standing around, I asked you to spot me so I could try and safely lift my measely 65 pounds (after you have just finished 3 or 4 times that much)? And I'm not that hot looking girl you are hoping will talk to you...i'm the lady in her 40s just trying to get in some exercise. Thanks.

    I would annoyed if you didnt ask and tried it yourself, then needed help getting the weight back up after almost killing yourself.
  • K_Serz
    K_Serz Posts: 1,299 Member
    <- n00b
  • kingkoopaluv
    kingkoopaluv Posts: 147 Member
    great question. i would love if someone asked me to spot them, or vice versa.
  • mike667grace
    mike667grace Posts: 36
    Ok...I just started a lifting routine. Currently only doing 60 pounds on the bench press and yes, my arms are stressed on the last couple reps (do 2 sets of 10/12 reps). I would like to try and up the amount by 5 or 10 pounds, but I don't have someone to spot me and really don't want to drop it on my chest. So to all the lifters, how annoyed would you be if while you were between sets of something else or just standing around, I asked you to spot me so I could try and safely lift my measely 65 pounds (after you have just finished 3 or 4 times that much)? And I'm not that hot looking girl you are hoping will talk to you...i'm the lady in her 40s just trying to get in some exercise. Thanks.

    wouldn't annoy any real lifter. We'd rather help than see anyone hurt.
    :drinker: besides, i hardly lift that much myself, and usually smaller, so why would it be measly? think of this when you think that way,
    "do i value myself enough to admit when i'm doing well?"
  • Docmahi
    Docmahi Posts: 1,603 Member
    Ok...I just started a lifting routine. Currently only doing 60 pounds on the bench press and yes, my arms are stressed on the last couple reps (do 2 sets of 10/12 reps). I would like to try and up the amount by 5 or 10 pounds, but I don't have someone to spot me and really don't want to drop it on my chest. So to all the lifters, how annoyed would you be if while you were between sets of something else or just standing around, I asked you to spot me so I could try and safely lift my measely 65 pounds (after you have just finished 3 or 4 times that much)? And I'm not that hot looking girl you are hoping will talk to you...i'm the lady in her 40s just trying to get in some exercise. Thanks.

    I wouldn't be annoyed at all - I would encourage you for sure
  • neva4saken
    neva4saken Posts: 300 Member
    I do not think most people would be annoyed. I was raised to be a gentleman so if asked it wouldn't annoy me at all, I'd rather that than hearing a scream of help or pain and agony. Not to mention I have people all the time male/female to ask me in the gym to show them an exercise I am doing. Or if they are doing an exercise incorrectly and their in danger of hurting themselves I will politely interupt and help them the right way, they are always appreciative. We all have needed help at one point in time.
  • Shock_Wave
    Shock_Wave Posts: 1,573 Member
    5$ and I am all yours. :flowerforyou: :laugh:
  • sammniamii
    sammniamii Posts: 669 Member
    Where are all you friendly lifters when I need them - LOL - i wouldn't be bothered if someone asked me and I wish I could get someone to help me @ the gym.... I just get the "LOOK"
  • Lisah8969
    Lisah8969 Posts: 1,247 Member
    5$ and I am all yours. :flowerforyou: :laugh:

    Yippee! I've got cash!
  • Tysonlovesweights
    Tysonlovesweights Posts: 139 Member
    i would definitely not be annoyed, and have been there myself before, working out with no spotter, but wanting to push that little bit harder that makes a spotter necessary. Most of the people waiting between sets are doing NS training, and require a long rest between sets anyway, and as a few others have also said, most people who go to the gym are generally supportive of others who are looking to make fitness gains/changes, and would not hesitate to help, except in cases where they may be timing their rest, or something like that
  • suelegal
    suelegal Posts: 1,282 Member
    You are supposed to ask for a spot when one is needed. Either from another lifter or the staff at the gym.

    It is the person that has a problem with you asking them that is the jerk, not you for asking.


    Make sure you tell your spotter how you want to be helped though. Tell them the number of reps you want to try and if you want them to grab the bar off or just assist you if you struggle.

    That's good info! Thanks for adding that!
    Where are all you friendly lifters when I need them - LOL - i wouldn't be bothered if someone asked me and I wish I could get someone to help me @ the gym.... I just get the "LOOK"

    Sounds like you need a new gym!
  • erinsueburns
    erinsueburns Posts: 865 Member
    OP, I get nervous asking for a spot myself. It sometimes limits how much I try to lift. Yesterday a guy saw me dithering over how much weight to put on and asked would I like a spot. It was really nice, I felt much more comfortable increasing the weight. And I am hoping that it makes me more confident to ask in future. Especially with the firefighter trainees. They seem to take fairly long rests and there is a whole large group of them so someone always seems to be floating.
  • jtslim42
    jtslim42 Posts: 240
    Definitely ask someone to spot for you! You may make some new friends or get great advice from them.
  • BeachGingerOnTheRocks
    BeachGingerOnTheRocks Posts: 3,927 Member
    My experience has been that the other lifters in the gym love to help out. It gives them something to do between sets besides check their phones or walk around the mat watching the clock. My gym is so friendly, I think a few of the guys would be offended if I didn't ask them to spot when I'm doing my last set and trying to hit a new PR.

    Sometimes, lifters offer if they think I won't ask.

    Just talk to the guys in your gym. You'll be surprised. And they'll probably make you feel more welcome the next time you lift.
  • juggz212
    juggz212 Posts: 32
    No problem at all, as long as I'm not being asked DURING a set. otherwise I'm happy to help
  • ILiftHeavyAcrylics
    ILiftHeavyAcrylics Posts: 27,732 Member
    And here I was being proud of my 45 pounds. I'll work on upping that.

    I started a month ago and I only do 45 pounds right now. It's only been the last two sessions that I've been able to do all my reps. Hopefully I can add some weight soon because I feel ridiculous bench pressing the bar.

    OP I'm glad you asked because right now my husband and I go together but when he deploys I'll be solo.
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    I always ask someone to spot me at the gym the first time i increase weights, mainly because the other girls i go with would not be able to catch the weigths if they fell. Its gotten to the point some of the people ask me if i need them as a spotter today before they leave the gym. I think it would be a lot more annoying for you to drop the weight on your head and have a medical emergency where that part of the gym needs to be closed while they wait for medical help.

    Why is it over your head? - it should be over your chest.
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    You are supposed to ask for a spot when one is needed. Either from another lifter or the staff at the gym.

    It is the person that has a problem with you asking them that is the jerk, not you for asking.


    Make sure you tell your spotter how you want to be helped though. Tell them the number of reps you want to try and if you want them to grab the bar off or just assist you if you struggle.

    ^^yep
  • sunsnstatheart
    sunsnstatheart Posts: 2,544 Member
    Really, it's what you should do. Just don't interrupt someone's sets to ask. Wait until they're finished.
  • geekyjock76
    geekyjock76 Posts: 2,720 Member
    I'd rather take the extra time between my sets to ensure someone's safety. Most people would think the same as long as you are polite and wait when they aren't doing anything.
  • preshusgem
    preshusgem Posts: 204 Member
    Such a great question. Thanks for asking as I'll be heading to the free weight room tomorrow at the gym for the 1st time without the hubster. I'm also a lady in my early 40's, not wanting to look too intimidated as I will be feeling uncoordinated as it is anyway.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    Ok...I just started a lifting routine. Currently only doing 60 pounds on the bench press and yes, my arms are stressed on the last couple reps (do 2 sets of 10/12 reps). I would like to try and up the amount by 5 or 10 pounds, but I don't have someone to spot me and really don't want to drop it on my chest. So to all the lifters, how annoyed would you be if while you were between sets of something else or just standing around, I asked you to spot me so I could try and safely lift my measely 65 pounds (after you have just finished 3 or 4 times that much)? And I'm not that hot looking girl you are hoping will talk to you...i'm a fellow lifter at your gym and I'm in need of some assistance

    Fixed.

    And we will always come when you call. Don't be shy about asking for a spot. Ever. In 20 years I've only been turned down for a spot once.
  • PetulantOne
    PetulantOne Posts: 2,131 Member
    This thread would be a lot more interesting if someone said "Yes, I would be annoyed. I'm there for myself not for you."

    Yes I would be annoyed. But only because I lift at home. I'd be wondering how the hell you got in my house. :wink:
  • fittiephd
    fittiephd Posts: 608 Member
    I've seen people ask strangers to spot them at the gym, and seen my friends get asked. It's very normal. Bench presses are one of the exercises that are really better with a spotter.

    Also you may consider trying doing 3 sets of 5 or 5 sets of 5 reps instead of 2x10/12 reps, for high weight it's better to do lower rep and more sets. Just fyi :)
  • shorty35565
    shorty35565 Posts: 1,425 Member
    I'd help, wouldn't be annoyed at all. It's important to have a spotter!
  • ANewLucia
    ANewLucia Posts: 2,081 Member
    I spot anyone that asks. I think it funny when a guy asks and they have tons of weight...I'm thinking ummm maybe we need to get a guy on this one...but hey, don't mind helping one bit.

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