Honestly, it’s not like there is a universal proper spotting technique that most people can be realistically expected to know.
Shoot, some of the personal trainer certifications (I believe ACSM is one that does…yes, I’m aware that a lot of these certs are junk), teach you to have your hands on the bar on some of the bigger compound lifts. It may be annoying to some, but it’s certainly safer to not have to try to catch the barbell out of mid air if a hand slips, etc.
Jesse
Um, okay…? I think this is better suited as a reply to the “What’s So Hard About a Spot?” thread.
I don’t think anybody should even think about touching the bar until its obvious that the lifter is in trouble and can’t finish the rep on their own.
I agree if somebody is squatting 800lbs, that a couple spotters should be ready and in position to spot the bar if necessary, but if the bar is moving on its own there is no reason for a spotter to touch it IMO.
http://www.T-Nation.com/tmagnum/readTopic.do?id=2393571
There are lots of other people that feel the same way I do.
assuming the exercise is done in a power rack, the only time a spotter is needed is un/re-racking the bar. without a power rack…yes i think a little more care is needed. squats, bench etc need a spotter or two…but i dont belive they should have there hands on the bar during the exercise…only when help is needed.
Yikes…I’m new to the site, and intended a quick response to the “What is So Hard About a Spot?” post, and instead I created my own thread. I fail at the Internets.
Jesse