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Re:Reducing workplace burnout: the benefits of exercise by khalilravanna on Friday September 11, 2015 @10:29AM (#10203837)
Just switch to bench press using dumbbells. It's safer, doesn't require a spotter, and encompasses a wider range of motion making it, arguably, a better all around exercise than bar bench press.

Off the top of my head I can't think of any other major exercises that require a spotter. Squats maybe? But for those you can just use a smith machine.

I used to only go to the gym when I had a friend to go with (this was back in college so it wasn't a huge pain). Starting to go by myself was the best change I ever made. Not being beholden to another's schedule for your own wellbeing is a glorious thing indeed.

Re:Reducing workplace burnout: the benefits of exercise by douche on Friday September 11, 2015 @10:58AM (#10204017)
Don't use a smith machine. Find a gym with (or buy) a proper squat rack with safety bars that you can adjust to the proper height if you do have to bail out of a squat.

With a smith machine, you don't get the full range of motion you have with real barbell squats - it's straight-line up and down. I also am not a fan of the twisting motion you need to perform to get the bar locked in.