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Muscle building: The spot.

Muscle building with the use of The Spot.

Author: Sturge Manfred

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When one is potentially unable to perform a certain weight lifting exercise on their own, then they require “a spot”. Usually the case is that the weight is heavy for the trainee, and while he probably will be capable of a certain number of reps, he possibly will not be able to perform the complete exercise within his desired rep range, on his own. Hence he will enlist the help of a spotter. This is an important step in maximizing muscle building as it allows the trainee to complete those last so important reps of the exercise which contribute the most to building size and strength. Other reasons the trainee utilizes a “spotter” has to do with maintaining proper form, performing a “one rep max” in which the trainee is only concerned with gauging his strength level and progress by finding out how much weight he can lift for one rep, or else as a psychological aid which will be discussed later.

Common exercises which generally require a spot when training with heavy weight are free weight bench press, and free weight squats. Though any exercise can utilize the added muscle building benefit of a good spot, these are the two heavies that require a spotter when using heavy weight.

The spotter will generally only slightly assist the lifter in the first few reps where he begins to show signs of struggle. Then the spotter will increase his assistance until the trainee is no longer able to perform another rep. Unfortunately there are no “schools for spotters” in the typical gym. If there were perhaps there would be less of what we coin as, “the jackass spotter”. This is the type of spotter who will practically lift the bar with all his might from the onset of the exercise. He will not even wait until you need the spot, he will begin assisting you from the get go with all his might, successfully negating any muscle building effect from the exercise.

One can imagine psyching up for the big lift, only to have the jackass spotter end up doing all the work. At the end of the spot, the jackass spotter will immediately proceed to say, “good job bro, it was mostly all you.” The trainee tends to be too exhausted, frustrated, and bewildered at this point to do anything more than nod his head. Now one may say, well he can just do another set, and use another spotter. Wrong. For the jackass spotter always follows up with, “let me know if you need another one bro, I’ll be right over here.” And again the trainee tends to give a frustrated head nod, while the muscle building destroyer will wait nearby in the wings, periodically looking over ready to rush to the aid for another “spot”. Hence the trainees entire exercise set is rendered essentially useless.

So it is necessary to be cautious when asking for a spot. A general and obvious rule is attempting to choose the power lifter over the disco bodybuilder. That is one who is engaged in the business of serious weightlifting, and not one whose neon shines as heavy as his hairspray.

It is worth it even if you have to travel across the gym and ask someone you know or have observed as being a more serious lifter. Of course you run the risk of that individual being so serious as to not have the time or not wanting to break his concentration to give a spot. But, most of the time the lifter will be supportive as he’s been there at one point himself, and will provide you with the spot. Though if not, don’t feel slighted or insulted, instead appreciate and respect the individuals seriousness in regards to muscle building, and simply move on, asking someone else.

But the main key is to always get a spot if your going to attempt lifting heavy weight on free weight exercises such as bench press and squat.

About Author

Sturge Manfred is a 20 year veteran of the iron game. Please visit his blog for muscle gain routines that work fast. http://www.musclegaintruth.blogspot.com/

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Muscle building: The spot.