[Espi]

See, like I said, it would have been the opposite for me. Unless it's someone like my SO whom I trust completely. But even then I'd have a problem focussing well.
(Dumbbell or barbell) bench pressing really is one of the hardest exercises to focus for. Lying down makes me feel relaxed and yet , you have to almost get angry to be concentrated/focused enough.
With someone else nearby , even someone I trust, it would be harder to focus.
Never mind asking just about anyone to spot me as I'd have the added fear of him (or her?) not being there in time. Or, what has happened before that they help out with a lift which I could have done on my own.. and I'm already antsy because of that anticipation.

It did take years to build up enough confidence to use weights over 20kg though.. that's the downside of it. You've only been lifting for a brief while and bam, are already pushing the 50lbses! That's way more impressive!

ETA: food-wise things are suddenly not 'clicking' anymore. I'm seriously bummed that my body once again proves to me how it does *not* like dairy nor even cheese. I'm rebelling against the thought of having to drop it once again by eating too much junkfood. The latter also because I've been asked why I just don't buckle down : eat less and lift heavy w low volume. LMAO , it's the same Q as I'd asked Tom/Stingo. And I'm actually rebelling agains that too!

I do NOT want to do just 'simple' stuff.. I LOVE lifting heavy. I LOVE high-ish volume workouts, coz I get to try out different exercises that way!
if I'd had to wait till I'm 'there" I feel that the workouts would become too boring etc. Besides, I'm beyond thrilled to finally see LBM-gain or no loss when cutting calories at a very sloooooow pace. Always always I'd see LBM-loss. I know that if volume is too high, i'm going to lose LBM once again, but it's so neat to push the 'envelope' for a bit and eat as much as you can and still lose fat.