Sunday, April 20, 2008

Briefing your spotter


Your spotter can be your friend or a training partner that you meet at the gym. If you don’t know anyone, you can usually ask a staff person who is working on the weight-training floor. If you work with a personal trainer, she’ll spot you. Regardless of who you choose, prepare your spotter for the mission ahead:
  • Explain how many repetitions you’re aiming to complete. Think about how many reps you think that you can do before you’ll need the spotter’s assistance. Be honest! If you think that you may need a spot on the sixth repetition, say so. This way, your spotter can start paying extra close attention around the fourth rep.
  • Make it clear to your spotter whether you need help lifting the bar off the rack or getting the dumbbells into position.
  • Set up a specific plan. Will the spotter help you on the count of three or after the count of three? Tiny misunderstandings can lead to big injuries.
  • Offer your gratitude both before and after your set. Don’t forget to tell your spotter thank you. An attitude of gratitude makes you a reputable person in the gym.

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