We’ve all seen this. The ‘gym bro’s’ with huge, hulking, muscular bodies, completely absent of any apparent neck, working together on the bench press when in reality, with legs the same width as burnt out matchsticks, should definitely be in that squat rack. They’ve got 20 plates stacked and ready to go and after a few grunts to ensure everyone is watching, one finally lies on the bench, un-racks the bar with his faithful spotter watching over him and starts to press. The next part brings a tear to my eye everytime. Not only are the reps as half-arsed as their attempt on leg development, the spotter is practically bicep curling the weight while no doubt shouting ‘It’s all you!’.
The message of this blog is simple, short and very sweet. Spotters. Know your god damn role! You’re only there to stop that weight crushing the life out of the person lifting, not to lift the weight for them. If you feel you must assist then do it accordingly. Such as a light finger or two. Clearly if its an attempt at a new 1 rep max you want to have your hands ready but for crying out loud, let the lifter do the weight! There is nothing more frustrating then getting hyped up and ready to go, only to have some meat head think its their chance to improve the pump on their arms. For now, lift big and spotters let the lifter move the damn weight!