Spotters

[Potbelly]

hey do I need a spotter even if I work with dumbbells? It doesn't seem to make sense to have one since they can't grab the bar as there is no bar.

 

[dirtysanchez]

hey do I need a spotter even if I work with dumbbells? It doesn't seem to make sense to have one since they can't grab the bar as there is no bar.

No need for spotters on dumbbell lifts, unless you are doing dumbbell floor presses.

 

[Potbelly]

No need for spotters on dumbbell lifts, unless you are doing dumbbell floor presses.

?? wanna clarify? what are floor presses?

 

[dirtysanchez]

?? wanna clarify? what are floor presses?

http://asp.elitefts.com/qa/default.asp?qid=36598&tid=106 - on second thoughts you probably don't need a spotter for these. I normally have one just to hand me the dumbbells.

IMO it's annoying having a spotter touching your arms when you are doing dumbbell work (since they can't hold the the dumbbells).

 

[Potbelly]

hmm I see. I do dumbbell bench presses instead. Why are floor presses better or is it just preference??

 

[djtdot]

When I do DB presses, I usually don't need a spotter. My only problem is that while doing them, I have a problem getting the dumbbells in the initial position. I can easily use 40lb dumbbells for my chest if I am lying down and someone hands me the dumbbells, but if I am doing it alone, I have to use 35lber coz I find it hard to get it to the intial position. Any suggestions on how to do that? I usually keep them on my thighs and then lie down and start doing my exercises.

 

[dirtysanchez]

hmm I see. I do dumbbell bench presses instead. Why are floor presses better or is it just preference??

I alternate between incline bench press, flat bench press and floor press as my Max Effort (ME) upper body lift. If you are weak at the middle and top of your bench press then it will definitely help improve both these areas. Taken directly from the link I mentioned previously:

"This one is a winner for many reasons:

It is a great lockout builder for the bench press.

It is great for those who have shoulder problems because of the limited range of motion and full shoulder stability (the floor is wider than a bench).

It is great for developing starting strength because of the pause and release at the bottom. You go from a static to dynamic contraction.

It is a great chest builder because most the work is done in the pec building zone of the dumbbell press."

 

[Potbelly]

hmm I see. I think I will use the bench still. I too do incline bench presses, but I'll try the floor ones some day when I go to a real gym with clean floors.