* It's having the wrong stress on your joints for longer times* Yes, that was my point #2. The only real need for a spotter is for barbell bench pressing I w

* It's having the wrong stress on your joints for longer times* Yes, that was my point #2. The only real need for a spotter is for barbell bench pressing I was specifically thinking about the bench-press-like machine press, but also true for the dumbell fly exercise. I do the free-weight lifts, just not with heavy weight. When I want to seriously stress my muscles I go to the machines. I just started with the bosu-ball stuff last year and I have to say I like it. It hits stabilizers the squat doesn't begin to touch. I'm a sailor- just got back from a week-long bareboat charter in pretty choppy seas, and I really like the results. I'm not sure I can articulate it though- while it helped my balance, it also helped my strength while maintaining balance. For example, the task of picking up a mooring ball with the boat bouncing seemed easier. But that may just be a distorted perception.