Don't you wish you had a dime for every time you've heard the guy on the flat bench next to yours say, "Hey, couldja gimme a spot here?" Always consider a request like that a compliment, because the fellow asking you that must believe that you are capable, else he would not have done so. He is putting his own safety and training to some degree at your mercy.

To be really confident in your ability as a spotter, nevertheless, there are some things you need to think through:

1. If you are not a competent bodybuilding spotter, politely decline. Perhaps you are at the moment recovering from an illness or surgery and are really not in peak condition. Perhaps you are taking a medication that alters your motor control or response time. Such conditions put both spotter and spottee at risk.

2. If you should be involved in an accident while spotting, does the gym have insurance coverage for you and the guy you are spotting?

3. Do your need to be wearing a lifting belt? Got your non-slip gloves on?

4. When positioning yourself for the spot, glance about the perimeter of the area. If objects are near that might interfere with an attempted lift, remove them. If persons are mobile in nearby aisles, be certain they are clear before beginning any exercise. Be certain you are not standing in a wet or slick area.

5. Position yourself in a stance symmetrical to the person you are spotting. Let him know if he is postured correctly for his exercise i.e. if he is preparing for a squat, inform him if his back is not aligned properly for the lift. Assess whether you are able by yourself to maneuver the weight attempted should the spottee experience failure or loss of control. If you are not, say so, and either enlist the assistance of a second spotter or decline altogether.

6. Agree with the spottee on the point of beginning his lifting effort. When you and your buddy are both positioned properly, concentrate and focus on the activity you are about to perform. Communicating verbally is important. I usually say something like, "On three...one...two...THREE!" At that point, there is a surge of energy and you have LIFT-OFF!

7. Be encouraging as you perform a spotter's duty. You should have the following phrases as a natural part of your spotter's vocabulary: "Way to go, man!" "Come on now, you've got it!" "Just one more...you can do it!" "Let's put an extra five on each end next set." "Great set, mate!" (If you live in Australia). If you live somewhere else, it might be "dude," "bro," or "pard'ner."

Unless you are a personal trainer, you likely will not get paid for your gratis bodybuilding spotting. But some day in the future when a guy you train becomes an IFBB competitor, a famous wrestler, or Mr. America, you can proudly say, "I used to spot that guy when he was green as a new cucumber." And inwardly, you will feel all warm and tingly.

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