[Wisconsin155]

It is my understanding that most of these types of self spotters have hooks attached to the bar. You simply twist the bar and it catches on the spotting rack. Probably wouldn't of helped him in the middle of a heart failure. And Nautalis type machines typically can't handle that much weight anyway.

As for the weight, yes you should have a spotter, but that could of been a comfortable set for him. He might not of even considered it hard. I personally wouldn't bother with a spot on 225lbs. I'm sure a former Pro player can throw around 250 easily enough. That being said, if I'm at home alone, I switch to dumbbells. Why risk it?

[Troublemaker]

It is my understanding that most of these types of self spotters have hooks attached to the bar. You simply twist the bar and it catches on the spotting rack. Probably wouldn't of helped him in the middle of a heart failure. And Nautalis type machines typically can't handle that much weight anyway.

All true, but I do know of some types of Smith machines that have bars that go all the way across and are adjustable and can stop the barbell at various levels. You can set it just above your chest level if you are doing a bench press. You don't get quite the full range of motion (touching the chest) as on a normal bench, but it does fully stop the bar (before it hits you) if you should drop it.

That being said, a spotter is always the best way to lift. I lift with my boys and they are never permitted to lift alone. Terrible story - His doctor probably told him to exercise.