Right now I am doing the Rippetoe program for strength. Now, I started out with about 70% of my best lift (155) on squats and will be doing 170 on Monday. Anyway, when I am getting closer to about 215 (my 5rm) and going over, do you reccomend a spotter despite squatting in a squat rack with safeties obv in ?
If you can get one, you might as well use one. If not, as long as you’re in the rack you’ll be fine. Thats what the rack is for. If you get stuck at the bottom, just squat back down until the bar is caught by the safety pins.
[quote]t3h_Squirr3l wrote:
Right now I am doing the Rippetoe program for strength. Now, I started out with about 70% of my best lift (155) on squats and will be doing 170 on Monday. Anyway, when I am getting closer to about 215 (my 5rm) and going over, do you reccomend a spotter despite squatting in a squat rack with safeties obv in ? [/quote]
I have found nothing worse in lifting than squatting and not being able to stand back up, no matter how hard I try. This is true pain.
As to your question, you do not have to have a spotter, but it is recommended. Make sure to set the safety pins or whatever rack your using appropriately if you think you may fail.
I failed one time with the safety bars too low and had a tough time getting out of it. I had the bars too low and at A- to G the safety was still too low. I leaned forward and 225 pounds crash down on the bars violently causing everyone in the gym to turn and me to question my safety.
Since that time I learned to set the safety pins accordingly everytime, regardless of if I feel I may fail or not.
Exactly as above said thats what the racks for.
Me Im actually more comfortable with a rack then a spotter from years of training alone.
Just aim not to fail bro thats your best bet get that shit and dont take no for an answer. Dont dwell on failing dont accept it as even an option. But if it does rack is your friend 
Phill
Thanks for the advice, folks.
I actually failed on set two, rep four last time i was squatting 215 after getting a set of 5. I dumped the bar and all was well. But yeah I need to be careful about adjusting is properly.
best case senario you have help getting it from the pins to the rack worst case senario they throw you off focus give you squating advice and touch the bar while your going for a PR
n3wb