definitely, if I don't have a spotter available Ill use dumbbells instead and press those. Back in the day I would grab two 80 pounders and go with those as a bonus it probably actually works different types of muscle tissue
Dumbell presses are actually really solid- they work some of the smaller, less-used stabilizing muscles in your shoulders. And of course, the risk of breaking your neck or suffocating yourself is far lower. If you lose control of the dumbell mid-press, and you just drop it to the side, you might pull or tear something if it's dropped awkwardly but I've never seen that happen.
I've seen plenty of shit like in the video, though. People trying to show off, "Look at me, me so stronk, me do this alone!" Fucking stupid. You're not impressing anyone, and the people you're trying to impress would probably suggest using a fucking spotter because they know what they're doing. If the gym is really empty, like in this video, an employee should be available to spot for you. Looks like the employee rescued this woman.
It's videos like these which make me cringe, for the reasons you mention. People showing off in the gym are there for precisely the wrong reason - for attention whoring points and not there to be stronger. It fucking disgusts me - and these are usually the same clowns who look down on beginners like myself because we're not able to lift much.
Gym culture is very interesting.
Beginners always feel awkward and insecure when they first start coming in to work out. They feel like they're being judged by everyone, all these fit people doing exercises that they cannot do yet. I say this from first hand experience, walking into a gym for my first time as a freshman in high school, doughy and a little on the weak side.
But I learned that most of the gym bros don't give a shit. They'll help you, give you advice, and if you listen to them, you'll get strong. I actually admire when out-of-shape folks start coming to the gym regularly. It shows they know they have a problem and have the willpower and desire to solve it. They should be encouraged and made to feel comfortable.
Of course, there are assholes in most gyms. But the majority of gym bros are cool, in my experience. Martial arts gyms have some of the coolest people ever.
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