There’s More to Spotting Clients Than Just Handing Them Weights

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By Sal | June 9, 2010

For personal trainers and strength coaches spotting is a series of complex responsibilities.  Much more than just handing weights to clients, spotting is a combination of watching, listening, teaching, counting and moving all in response to your client's actions.  Spotting is more than watching what your client is doing.

The first rule - well, my first rule - of spotting is to be in an active posture where you can get a complete view of your client.  You don't necessarily have to be standing, although this is the preferred position, as kneeling is appropriate depending on what your client is doing.  There are even times when lying down can be an active spotting position.  Taking into account that spotting is more than just handing weights to clients and is an act that involves teaching and responding to your client's movements, you can utilize a variety of spotting positions.

I am not a fan of sitting down or leaning against something while working with clients.  Even if it's possible to observe, react and respond in these positions, it doesn't look good.  Trainers who sit and lean during a session appear to be lazy.  And in my experience, personal trainers who regularly sit down during a session are lazy.  As a matter of fact, try to keep moving while spotting a client. Move in a semi-circle around your client as they are exercising and keeping your eyes on them at all times.

Another rule of spotting is to use mirrors to allow you to view a client from multiple angles without having to change your position.  Depending on the layout of your facility you can position yourself so that you can all four sides of client if you stand in the proper place.  When my clients squat I position myself to the client's right side so, thanks to the way the mirrors and squat racks are arranged in my facility, I can see them from all angles and make adjustments when necessary. Many people are not comfortable with someone standing behind them while performing certain exercises so I position myself so I can watch them in the mirror and still be close enough to provide a physical spot if need be.

Do not remain silent while spotting a client, even if they are performing properly.  Always maintain contact with client and let them know you are paying attention.  Choose appropriate physical cues for the exercise being performed that will reinforce their performance.  Of course make corrections when necessary¸ as well.

Be active in both your posture and your actions and you will be properly spotting your clients.

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Topics: Personal Trainer Coaching, Training Style | 1 Comment »

One Response to “There’s More to Spotting Clients Than Just Handing Them Weights”

  1. Gary
    8:21 am on June 14th, 2010

    Good article, there are a lot of new trainers around who do not know proper spotting and body language while training there clients.

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