Abstract: A portable spotting device that can be moved by a single person from one piece of exercise equipment to another is described. The portable spotting device has a central tower having a vertical support, a powered lifting device and an actuator portion. A powered lifting device, such as an electric motor, may be coupled to the vertical support and drive a cable spool, whereby a cable is attached to the actuator portion. The electric motor, configured as a wench may move the actuator portion up and down along the vertical support. A horizontal extension attached to the actuator has a pair of adjustable arms the extend forward to retain and lift a weight, such as a weight bar. An actuator pedal allows a weight lifter to control the height of the adjustable arms while lying on a bench.