The Value Of A Spotter

Now that I’ve begun the EverydayQB challenge I’m getting back into lifting weights. This is really the first time since my post-football years that I have been lifting more for muscle tone and health rather than for bulk and strength. The workouts are a little bit different, more reps and lower weight. I haven’t really minded working out on my own, but it has been different.

All through my high school and college years, I always worked out with someone. Usually it was my dad or brother, but there was always someone else with me that was going through the same program. I am not realizing until now just how valuable having the second work out partner was for my overall success.

There are a couple reasons why having a workout partner is advantageous.

First, there is someone else there to get you to the gym when you don’t feel like going (which for me happens quite often). Knowing that you have to meet someone there and, hopefully its someone you enjoy, you are looking forward to meeting them and don’t want to call and cancel.

Secondly, they keep you working at a good and solid pace. Because you both need to get lifting in with only a certain amount of time, you must work effectively. While the chance to chat is more of a temptation, you’re also there on a mission and your workout partner keeps you on point.

Third, you have a ‘spotter’ there to encourage you to work just a little bit harder when things get hard. A lot of machines now are controlled weights, on pulleys, etc. and provide greater safety to those using them. However, things like bench press, squats and other free weight exercises still require a spotter if you are lifting heavy weights. The value of having a spotter is that they enable you to ‘max out’ and gain muscle mass by exhausting your muscles. When you’re exhausted and can’t lift the next rep, your spotter is there to help you with the final rep.

Hopefully you have a spotter, not only in the gym, but in life. Someone who pushes you to grow and to be stretched, while at the same time supports and encourages you when you need it. We all need a spotter in our life.