Exercises like bench pressing can be tough, there’s no doubt about that. After watching a few gym fail videos, asking for a spot is important when you want to max out. Hence, you’ll need a good spotter by your side while getting every rep you can.
The spotter will be your hands on the bar and give you proper guidance when you are at a sticking point. With their assistance, you can complete the rep safety. However, the problem is some people don’t feel confident enough or know the proper way to ask someone for help.
How do you ask someone to spot you at the gym? The easiest way is to approach the person and ask, “do you mind giving me a spot?”, then when you are both in position, start the exercise. You may want to say how many reps you will attempt and if you want to go to failure. Asking those who look friendly and experienced is best.
Here we will discuss how to ask someone to spot you at the gym. So, without wasting more time, let’s learn how to ask for a spot at the gym.
How to Ask Someone to Spot You at the Gym – The Correct Way
A spotter will help and support you while working out, especially when you can get injured. Therefore, if you want to use the squat rack, power rack, or bench press, you must have a good spotter right by your side. And if you are a commercial gym goer, it would be easier to find someone who will spot for you.
But as a new member or an introvert, it’s quite challenging to ask someone for a favor like this; I know that! However, every gym enthusiast is aware of this fact, so you don’t have to hesitate at all.
But, you need to follow some etiquette before asking for a spot. Even if you go to a commercial gym, you can’t just walk up to a guy, “Hey, Bro! Can you spot for me?” That’s a bad idea; we hope you know that!
So, let’s see what can be the correct way to approach someone to assist you on the bench.
Find Your Spotter
The first step of this quest is to look for someone you think would be a great spotter; the weight room is always the perfect place to start. It is always better to ask someone who has just completed a set and taking a rest. In this way, they won’t get bothered if you need help.
Ask the Spotter for Help
Now that you have found your spotter, go to that person and say something like this; “Hey, would you mind spotting for me? I could really use your help!” Well, you don’t have to say this exact thing, but be as polite as possible. Being humble really pays off, trust me!
Discuss with Your Spotter about Your Bench Press
Before you lay down for your bench press, you need to have a conversation about your reps with your spotter. If you want them to help you in some specific manner, by the wrist, on the elbow, on the bar; whichever you prefer, talk to them.
Don’t be shilly-shally when you ask for a spot; you need to be confident but humble. And you can also tell them if you need any help with a controlled descent exercise.
Furthermore, it would help if you always informed your spotter how many reps you are planning to complete by yourself. If you do so, your buddy will know when to go to a close spot position from the far spot. You can also ask them to assist you if you need any help with the next set or lift-off rack.
Gym Etiquette to Follow While Asking for Spot
Okay, so you have learned how to walk up to someone and request to spot. But that’s not it! Here are some more tips that will make the spotter feel more appreciated, and this way, you can ask for help from them next time!
- While bench pressing, don’t ask for help frequently. You should first be training with the weight you can handle with safeties set. And if you want to go for a hard set, get a spotter.
- It’s best if you remember that the spotter isn’t here to do the work for you. So, only choose the weight that you can lift by yourself. Don’t expect the spotter to do all the work.
- When your spotter has assisted you with one rep, go ahead and rack the weights.
- It’s best not to push too hard to break the sticking point; more effective ways include bench pressing with a narrower grip.
Can I Ask a Random Gym Goer to Spot for Me?
Instead of any random spotters, you can ask the fitness staff for help. However, suppose the fitness instructor is helping other people with personal sessions or performing any equipment orientation. In that case, you should wait till they finish their job. And then you can ask them to lend you a hand with the lifting.
Is It Okay to Ask People to Spot When They Have Headphones on?
Well, if you don’t see another person around who can help you on the bench, you can ask the guys wearing headphones. Just walk up to them, stand face-to-face, and make some hand gestures to grab attention. If the person takes off their headphones, you can ask for help politely.
However, some people often wear headphones at the gym to avoid interactions with others. So, when you are standing in front of them with the request, follow their body language to understand if they are annoyed or not. If they seem pissed, try to say something like, “Sorry to disturb you, we can discuss it some other time.”
The Bottom Line
So, there you have our tips on how to ask someone to spot you at the gym. Hopefully, you have got some ideas, and now you don’t have to act clueless if you want to do some bench pressing or squats. Well, you’re just asking for help, not a kidney! Hence, gather some courage and get it over with.
