A first determination that a range of motion of a user of an exercise machine is between pre-determined motion thresholds is made. While the range of motion of the user is between the pre-determined motion thresholds, a velocity of the cable being below a pre-determined velocity threshold is determined. In response to determining that the velocity of the cable being below the pre-determined velocity threshold while the range of motion of the user is between the pre-determined motion thresholds, a second determination that the user should be spotted is made, Torque of a motor is reduced based at least in part on the second determination that the user should be spotted.