So I was pressing for reps today without a spotter. Someone asked why I& #39;m lifting "heavy weight& #39; without a spotter.

Several things go into this.

1) Just like a newer guy pressing 50lbs, I& #39;m pretty confident I can get my weight, it& #39;s just a bit heavier than what others are doing

2) I& #39;m at the point where I can feel what& #39;s coming. Is the next rep risky? Is it too risky? Will I have just enough in the tank?

And that& #39;s coming from years of failing at hitting these reps.

3) Going close to the edge makes me push harder to ensure I can rack the weight

4) Sometimes don& #39;t hav spots for others safety too.

When I squatted 600 for the first attempt, I got some fleck for not using a spotter.

I& #39;m the heaviest lifter in my gyms. If I fail at a heavy Squat, no ones catching it safely. I& #39;ll use safety bars to get around that