Automated weightlifting spotting machine

A weight training assistance apparatus which requires a user to overcome the force exerted by one or more weights comprising:

• one or more sensors for monitoring a user's activity by monitoring the position of an item indicative of the position of the weights during a weight training exercise;
• a processor in communication with said sensors;
• the processor enabled to dynamically compare the user's activity of the item during the exercise with a predetermined activity profile to determine a dynamic level of fatigue for the user;
• the processor further enabled to determine a response at a given moment based on the exercise undertaken, the current user activity and the determined dynamic level of fatigue;
• a load bearing device that is controllable by the processor, the load bearing device enabled to dynamically vary the magnitude of the net force exerted by the weight as determined by the response, the processor further enabled to maintain the magnitude of the force when the user's activity is within a predetermined limit of the predetermined activity profile.

A method of self-spotting weightlifting the method which requires to overcome the force exerted by one or more weights comprising;

• attaching a load bearing means to one or more weights;
• exercising with the weights attached to the load bearing means;
• monitoring the position of an item indicative of the position of the weights through one or more sensors;
• determining if a user requires help by comparing the position of the item to a pre-determined model;
• selectively engaging the load bearing means to dynamically vary the magnitude of the force exerted by the weights in response to the determining step until such time that the user is determined to no longer require assistance;
• and
• maintaining the magnitude of the net force exerted once the user is determined not to require further assistance.