Can You Push Your Chest To the Max Without a Spotter
In the words of Mr T
"I eat alone, I train alone, I win the title alone"
Or something to that effect anyway! I was training my chest today and I mainly train in my home gym and therefore do a lot of my training on my own. I do bench but there is only so much you can do before you need those cheat sets to really get maximum growth.
Like I find it easy to develop my arms when I can do single arm exercises and offer a bit of help when needed. Whats your opinion, should I just try and go really heavy with dumbells?
I would like a decent partner to train with but I find most people a distraction in the gym?
Whats your thoughts? 
March 13, 2009 at 3:23 pm
I never feel comfy benching heavy on my own. The last thing I want is the barbell wrapped around my neck - having a spotter takes away that fear and allows me to really push it.
As you have a home gym (and assuming some spare cash) consider getting a rack just in case failure does come before you’ve finished your rep!
March 13, 2009 at 3:29 pm
A power rack with safety bars or something similar will work. I have a bench and a type of Smith machine with safety catches on it. I haven’t really pushed it, but I know the safety net is there.
March 13, 2009 at 3:57 pm
When it comes to benching heavy dumbbells the thought will cross my mind from time to time, -What if the end snaps off & lands on my head!-
But I suppose that wouldn’t be much different from what if the barbell slips from either hand & lands on me too.
If you go really heavy with dumbbells at your home gym, it wouldn’t hurt to let a friend or family member know you’re going to train hardcore. In other words ask them to check on you if they don’t see you for more then an hour lol
You could always keep the phone/cell phone near your training station in case you need emergency help.
But all in all, Dumbbells or Bar, both have equal dangers. Also remember that if you use Dumbbells with the same amount of weight you benched with a bar, it can be harder for you since it concentrates the weight into the palm of the hand, rather then spreading it out evenly. Meaning take care when training with them, you may not be as strong since it will be harder.
March 14, 2009 at 5:29 pm
If you work out at home like i do you need a bench with safety catches. I dont have a partner and i push it to the max