Is it weird that my coach spots my deadlifts by squeezing my lats? Should I switch to sleeves to make it less awkward for him?
Kind of a specific/weird one, bear with me.
When I deadlift, the bar’s set up with safety bars so I can hold it comfortably despite some limited shoulder mobility. Toward the end of my sets, my coach spots me by squeezing my lats to help stabilize me — which means he basically has to get his hands right into my armpits to do it.
I don’t mind this at all, I’m not self-conscious about it. But it’s got me wondering if he might mind, and whether switching from a tank top to a t-shirt with sleeves would make him a little more comfortable with the contact.
Anyone dealt with something like this? Would especially love to hear from coaches/trainers on whether this kind of thing ever bothers you.
(Immigrant gay guy here: would like some help figuring out if there’s any North American etiquette around this I’m failing to see)