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artemisfowl 09-30-2009, 02:02 PM Been doing 5x5 and had my first really hard set of bench today. I missed the LAST rep of my last set and it got kind of awkward. I go to the gym by myself and didn't have a spotter...some guy like rushed over to help me out when he saw I was struggling for life with the bar a few inches off my chest.
:shrug: I guess I'll have just have to ask someone if they don't mind giving me a spot.
Problem is, I felt great going into the set, I guess I just got gassed on the last rep.
:boogie:
Defaced 09-30-2009, 02:14 PM Safeties?
Glare 09-30-2009, 02:18 PM what safeties do you really have while doing a bench press on a regular flat bench unless you're using a machine?
i got pinned once and it was massively embarassing but dont let that deter you from moving heavier weight
most guys in the gym wont mind if you ask for a spot as long as you arent putting up 80 lbs or some ridiculous number way beyond your capability
bench in a cage. no machine.
Defaced 09-30-2009, 02:25 PM Yeah, I bench in a power rack.
Glare 09-30-2009, 02:43 PM yeah ive never benched in a cage but ive never put up enough weight to do that without looking like a tool i guess
like the guys who do bicep curls in the racks
I've switched to just using a machine and/or dumbbells. Setting up in the cage is a pain in the ass, but I'll do it once a month or so to max.
artemisfowl 09-30-2009, 03:20 PM We have power racks for squats but I'm working out at the university gym and they have tons of flat benches with barbells. They are stationary so I couldn't really move them into the power rack. It was pretty embarrassing especially because I'm not the strongest (was doing 5x5 with 145lbs each set) I'm gonna drop it back to 140 on monday of next week, then go for 145 again on friday...I'll be sure to ask for a spotter on the 4th and 5th set next week. Not really sure what I would do if there was no one there, I guess just wriggle out from underneath the bar.
Bojangles 09-30-2009, 03:44 PM If there is no one around and it starts to drop for some reason your best bet is to try to dump the weight off to one side. It's going to be loud and embarrassing, but it's better than something like this happening:
USC's Stafon Johnson Undergoes Emergency Throat Surgery After Weightlifting Accident - cbs2.com (http://cbs2.com/sports/stafon.johnson.usc.2.1214 070.html)
If you know you're going for a heavy set that you may fail on, just ask somebody if they would mind spotting you real quick. It's only 5 minutes of their time and no one is going to mind. Otherwise switch to dumbells for the last set or two. Who knows, maybe you'll find someone that works out the same time as you that needs a spotter. Kakow, instant workout partner!!
JaPaNDa 09-30-2009, 03:45 PM Just ask someone at your gym for a spot. It ain't a big deal, and very rarely will someone say no.
Glare 09-30-2009, 08:01 PM id say no 2 u
Defaced 09-30-2009, 09:04 PM My gym has 4 racks and at least 3 of them are always free. Plus, there isn't anywhere else to do a barbell bench (except the smith) so the point is moot.
Either way, safeties!
artemisfowl 10-01-2009, 12:30 AM id say no 2 u
:heart: fuck you
Sir Lucius 10-01-2009, 01:24 AM Don't use a spotter, get a huge adrenaline boost knowing you could die if you don't make the rep.
confidential 10-01-2009, 01:28 AM try working out with someone, preferably around your size and with the same goals... i know it's hard to find but it helps a lot with motivation and of course you'll always have someone to spot
but on sets where you're going for max, or your last set or something, always get someone to spot. it really doesn't take that long and almost no one is going to say no.
you could also try benching with dumbbells. personally i very rarely use barbells for benching, i prefer dumbbells.
artemisfowl 10-01-2009, 01:32 AM Yeah I think this is lesson learned for me, gonna get a spotter for the last set...especially doing 5x5 I feel great on the first couple then boom I am struggling.
The setup I'm doing is pretty exclusively barbell so I'm gonna stick with it. Missing reps is naturally part of getting stronger. Imo you aren't testing yourself if the last couple aren't really hard.
BeLiaL 10-01-2009, 08:46 AM We have power racks for squats but I'm working out at the university gym and they have tons of flat benches with barbells. They are stationary so I couldn't really move them into the power rack. It was pretty embarrassing especially because I'm not the strongest (was doing 5x5 with 145lbs each set) I'm gonna drop it back to 140 on monday of next week, then go for 145 again on friday...I'll be sure to ask for a spotter on the 4th and 5th set next week. Not really sure what I would do if there was no one there, I guess just wriggle out from underneath the bar.
Try the same weight again next workout, and if you miss reps again, THEN lower the weight, and lower it 10-15%
Vintage 10-01-2009, 05:23 PM i work out with my friends so this isn't usually a problem. when there's nobody with me i find it akward asking for a spot but i still do it
artemisfowl 10-06-2009, 10:35 AM Made the second attempt at it today and made all my reps. :sunny:
Asked for a spot on the last set just to be safe.
dweeb 10-06-2009, 11:10 AM i got pinned once and it was massively embarassing but dont let that deter you from moving heavier weight
I felt my last rep slipping back down one day while I was benching. I yelled "Spot!"
I had my headphones in so I figured I'd just kind of let people around me know I needed help...
To my surprise, all the girls doing cardio on the balcony above were leaning over to see what the ruckus was about, everyone had stopped doing their sets, etc. etc. My friend said he didn't think he could ever yell that loud if he tried (he was in a different section of the gym).
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