How to Spot your Partner During a Workout in the Gym
Updated: Dec 23, 2021
Performing compound exercises such as the barbell bench press and barbell squats is a great way to build on some muscles as they target several muscle groups simultaneously. These are some exercises that you might want to consider adding into your workout in the gym. However, as the weights get heavier, it can be difficult to lift the weights in a safe manner, especially if you're not training with a personal trainer. Therefore it is important to know how to help spot your partner safely when conducting compound exercises.
Having said that, as a spotter, you do not want to be spotting your partner incorrectly, as you could be endangering not only your partner but also yourself. Likewise, you do not want to be helping your partner out too much as this might affect their progress. A spotter should only be assisting when their partner is unable to control the weight. In this article, we will be providing you with some advice on how to spot your partner the right way !
1. Barbell Squats
Position your hands close to your partner’s back as they unrack the barbell
Keep your feet shoulder width distance similar to your partner
Important to spot your partner, not the bar.
Stand behind your partner and position both arms under your partner’s arms
Move with your partner and mirror their squatting position
Be prepared to assist if form or control is being compromised
Help your partner to safely rack the barbell
2. Barbell Bench press
Position one arm over and one arm under the bar (mixed grip)
During the set, pay close attention and move with your partner but do not touch the bar
Only interfere when form or control is compromised
Help your partner to rack back the bar
3. Dumbbell shoulder press
Position your hands below the elbow or around the lifter’s wrist
Do not touch the lifter until form or control of the weights are compromised
If help is required, push the weight upwards at the elbows or wrists NOT inwards.
Be very sure to pay full attention towards your partner when spotting him or her. If your partner calls for help, do go to their aid. Similarly, If you notice a sudden dip by your partner when lifting, do immediately assist your partner in the right way. By having a partner spot you during compound exercises makes it much safer to carry out these exercises. This would inadvertently maximize the benefits one can get as they would be more likely to train close to failure with the reassurance that your partner can assist you when you are struggling to complete the lift.
If you prefer to have a professional there to guide and spot you, our personal trainers are always here ready to help. Our trainers will be here to pay you their fullest attention and guide you with the proper form on various exercises to help you achieve your fitness goals. So come on down to train with Celebrity Fitness Trainers at FITLUC and #GetThatFITLook. Our dedicated trainers are more than happy to help you customize a training program and provide you with the right nutritional advice to help you achieve your fitness goals ! So what are you waiting for? Drop us a WhatsApp message at +65 8812 0110 or book a personal training trial with one of our dedicated trainers to explore if personal training is the best choice for you!
Just a heads-up, it will probably be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.
About FITLUC
Looking for a Personal Trainer in Singapore? Look no further! At FITLUC, we specialize in In-Person and Online Personal Training, and we also offer house-call PT with a small additional fee. We currently base our Personal Training clients at a well-equipped gym just a stone's throw away from Outram Park MRT.
We are recognized as one of the Top 12 Best PT in Singapore and were featured on Mothership, The Straits Times, YES 93.3FM, Yahoo News, etc. Our Personal Trainers have worked with clients aged 13 – 84, from Celebrities to CEOs, working professionals and homemakers, with goals ranging from fat loss, weight loss, muscle gain to athletic performance and elderly training. Our celebrity clientele includes Tay Ping Hui, Maxi Lim, Hazelle Teo, Tayying, Lee Teng, Ze Tong, Benjamin Tan and more.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on our client stories and for more fitness tips from our Personal Trainers!