but isn't the spotter the one who fails? The guy failed his rep, exactly that happened to me some days ago but I didn't have a spotter, so plates had to fall.
why are you guys saying the guy on the bench should be embarassed?
Congrats on joining a gym Cosmic
we both are 5'4-5'5, in our mid 30's
so here are some ideas that could help you feel better with all those guys around you:
there's no point in comparing ourselves to those guys because:
- mostly everyone there is in their mid 20's or younger,
- many (most?) are still dependant on their parents' money. less life stress for them.
- most have been training for years,
- most are around 6'0 and taller
- most have the benefit of good genetics (broad upper body, big bones, etc)
- other guys new to the gym aren't doing any better, you are not the only one coming to terms with the exercises and the equipment, everybody goes through this.
whenever you feel like you don't fit in there just think
" o.k let's count how many guys my age, my height and my physical consitution decided to grow a pair and came to the gym today... Yeah, thought so, it's only me"
and you'll feel proud of yourself
I have no idea if the stuff in my bulletpoints is true but it doesn't matter anyway, it works.
oh and exercises with empty barbells are used all the time, unless you have many years and are damn strong, they are constantly used for warm-ups.