No Spot? No Problem?

[tbonez]

Hey, everyone. Wanted to get some input on everyone's thoughts re: lifting without a spotter. Specifically, I'm curious as to what techniques everyone is using that they feel come closest to emulating doing exercises with a spotter. It's a given that having a spotter is ideal for safety and for reaching that failure limit, but I think most would agree that the reality is on some days we don't have a *dedicated* spotter.

I usually do about 2 drop sets on just about any exercise that might otherwise require a spotter. Also, I tend to rely more on dumbbell movements where I would otherwise be using a bar to be able to bail out of the rep if needed.

Thanks for the feedback. I hope others find this post useful as well.

- t

[henry]

I rarely train with a partner as they are too un reliable.

ill use the smith machine for most bar exercises that i want to go heavy on but dont want to die if i fail.

i do feel though i wont achieve the body i used to have by not having a partner to train with. its a very different workout when someone is as motivated as you and you are both pushing each other

[Bouncer]

I don't lift weight that I cannot lift myself. All about controlling the weight and pumping up the muscle with blood. This does not require lifting weight so heavy that you cannot complete your reps alone.

[tbonez]

Definitely agree, henrysiek. While having a partner is ideal, I'm sure we've all looked for a way to try and get to the same limit.

I actually am just as motivated on my own as with a partner as I've yet to find a partner as committed and disciplined as myself. Not to brag, but I simply mean to say that most people are unreliable for one reason or another. I'd much rather work out by myself than depend on a flake.

Thanks for the input - I use the Smith Machine one in a while too, it's just tricky getting the right bench angle sometimes. Plus, I really dislike the forced vertical plan movement on most machines.

[tbonez]

I don't lift weight that I cannot lift myself. All about controlling the weight and pumping up the muscle with blood. This does not require lifting weight so heavy that you cannot complete your reps alone.

Over the last 12 months or so, I've learned the importance of this too, Bouncer. My training nowadays is leaning more toward focusing on the negative movements, sometimes for up to 4-6 seconds at a time. I've actually found the hypertrophic results to be much greater/quicker if I incorporate more time under tension on each rep.

[redback]

I don't lift weight that I cannot lift myself. All about controlling the weight and pumping up the muscle with blood. This does not require lifting weight so heavy that you cannot complete your reps alone.

I agree with that and I train alone but sometimes there can be a psychological edge having someone to train with. I trained with a partner for a while and we pushed each other to the limit. It's a good point you make though regarding hypotrophy training. It's more about controlling the weight than trying to be a powerlifter.

[henry]

most of it is in the mind i was stuck on a 400kg leg press for years when i started training with someone else and we wound each other up so much i got to 12 reps of 550 that night.

it was weight i was capable of i just lacked the motivation or push to know that.